Two million workers to become eligible for statutory sick pay

by XPRESS, 15 July 2019

Two million low-income workers could soon receive sick pay under proposed changes.

To qualify for statutory sick pay currently, employees must earn at least 14 hours’ worth of minimum wage. But the Government is looking to lower these limitations. They are also considering more avenues to help people returning to work after sick leave.

What is minimum wage?

25 and over: £8.21
21-24 years old: £7.70
18-20 years old: £6.15
Under 18: £4.35
Apprentice: £3.90

Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, said: "We need to remove the barriers that stop people with disabilities or health conditions from reaching their full potential - these steps will help us achieve that."

Employees or staff currently need to earn at least £118 per week to be eligible for statutory sick pay. This is reviewed every tax year.

It is unclear if the new changes would help freelance workers such as Deliveroo staff. So-called "gig workers", of which there are 1.1 million in the UK, often receive little to no holiday or sick pay. The Department of Work and Pensions stated that it did not want to "undermine the flexibility in the UK labour market".

Emma Richardson