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Calls for the level of SSP paid to be raised in line with the National Living Wage

A 50p increase in Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) this week, has been attacked by trade unions who say the ‘miserly’ increase could undermine public health efforts during lockdown.

SSP has increased from £95.85 to £96.35, but unions including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Unite say it is too little to live on.

You can get (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by employers for up to 28 weeks.

According to the OECD, the UK has one of the lowest statutory sick pay rates of any developed country, as a proportion of the average worker’s earnings. However, its coverage lasts longer than in most European nations.

The TUC is calling for the level of SSP paid to be raised in line with the National Living Wage, which stands at £8.91-per-hour for workers aged 23 and over.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said “low” SSP payments could risk “undermining” public health efforts as lockdowns ease across the UK.

Ms O’Grady said: “No-one should be plunged into hardship if they need to self-isolate.”

“Many working in pubs and shops are on low wages and face having to survive on just £96 a week if they get sick,” she said.

The TUC also warned that nearly two million workers do not earn enough to qualify for SSP – most of them women. Nor are the self-employed eligible to receive it, unlike in most other European countries.

A government spokesman said there was a “comprehensive package” in place to support those who need to self-isolate to help stop the spread of coronavirus and many employers pay more than the minimum level of statutory sick pay.

The spokesman added: “That includes a £500 payment for those on the lowest incomes who have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

“Many employers pay more than the minimum level of statutory sick pay and employers with up to 250 staff can be reimbursed the cost of up to a fortnight’s statutory sick pay.”

You could get SSP if you’re self-isolating because: you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus
you’ve been notified by the NHS or public health authorities that you’ve been in contact with someone with coronavirus
someone in your support bubble (or your ‘extended household’ if you live in Scotland or Wales) has coronavirus symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus
you’ve been advised by a doctor or healthcare professional to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery

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