On Friday 7th of February, campaigners called on Members of Parliament to strengthen United Kingdom’s sick pay system as 1.3 million people are at risk of lower Statutory Sick Pay across the country and face impossible choices between paying bills, delaying medical treatment, or risking worsening mental health due to inadequate statutory sick pay. The campaigners working with the Centre for Progressive Change are urging the Government to back crucial amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to reach the Report Stage on or around 24th February.
The proposed amendments would:
● Increase statutory sick pay to at least 80% of the National
Living Wage, phased in over five years.
● Remove the Lower Earnings Limit, extending eligibility to
ensure that 1.3 million currently excluded employees receive support.
● Establish a higher replacement rate of at least 80% of income for low-paid workers, providing an adequate safety net during illness.
To raise awareness and build public support, campaigners have called on MPs to back these vital reforms.
It was great to be in West Midlands, mainly in Birmingham and Smethwick to speak to organisations and individuals who are supportive of the Safe Sick Pay campaign and working together as part of the Day of Action featuring the delivery of ‘Get Well Soon’ cards to MPs; as well as coordinated letter-writing campaigns and social media outreach by local members and organisations.
At £116.75 per week, the UK’s sick pay rate is among the lowest in
industrialised nations. Although set to rise by just £2 in April 2025, analysis
by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University
highlights the stark reality: a full-time worker, cohabiting with a partner on
an average UK salary, would still lose £419 in net income for each week of
illness — placing them below the minimum acceptable standard of living.
Campaigners stress that without urgent reform, millions of workers will remain vulnerable to financial hardship when they fall ill. They are urging MPs to act now to ensure that no worker is forced to choose between their health and making ends meet.
Amanda Walters, Director of the Centre for Progressive Change, said: “Far too many workers are forced to push through illness because they can’t afford to take time off to recover. This isn’t sustainable. We’re calling on MPs to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity presented by the Employment Rights Bill to reform our broken sick pay system and provide workers with the support they need.”
Workers on low sick pay often face devastating choices. Recent research by Citizens Advice found that full-time employees are at the highest risk of being unable to cover essential costs after prolonged illness.
Clare, a cancer patient, explained: “I had to make a choice — try to survive on a sum that barely
covered my council tax, let alone my mortgage and bills, or combine work with
an intense treatment schedule. I used up my annual leave and put my recovery at
serious risk.”
Roxana Khan-Williams, Head of Campaigns at Organise — “The UK’s statutory sick pay system is failing workers when they need it most. At just £116.75 a week, it falls far short of covering basic living costs, forcing many to choose between their health and income. Workers are going hungry, skipping rent, or returning to work sick because they can’t survive on such a low amount. One warehouse worker told us they pushed through illness, risking their health and their colleagues, just to keep the lights on. A care worker shared how they had to rely on food banks after catching the flu. These stories are not exceptions; they are the reality for millions.”
About the Safe Sick Pay campaign:
The Safe Sick Pay campaign is a coalition of organisations and individuals advocating for reform to the UK’s sick pay regime. The coalition believes that safe workplaces are essential for recovery and that workers should never have to choose between health and financial stability. The campaign is coordinated by the Centre for Progressive Change.
About the Employment Rights Bill:
As of 27th January 2025, the Employment Rights Bill is progressing
through the UK Parliament. Introduced on 10th October 2024, it has completed
the Public Bill Committee stage and is expected to reach the Report Stage on
24th February.
You can take action by writing to your MP. Click HERE to write to them.
