Debbie Kennedy: Everyone deserves a sick pay system that works

'Two million employees in the UK do not qualify for statutory sick pay'

clock • 5 min read

The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear the inadequacies of Statutory Sick Pay and it's time to find an alternative solution, writes Debbie Kennedy, protection director at LV=

When it comes to the subject of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), most people including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, would agree that it is too low to cover essential outgoings. For months, Mr Hancock has been trying to convince the Treasury to increase SSP so that more people can afford to self-isolate after experiencing Coronavirus symptoms. This has resulted in a pitiful rise of 50p to £96.35 a week, which is not enough to live on. Families depending on these income streams may struggle to make up the shortfall, proving that SSP is not fit for purpose if many people are forced to continue w...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Employers unsure how to adapt to multigenerational workforces

Employers unsure how to adapt to multigenerational workforces

Canada Life research findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock 01 August 2025 • 2 min read
MetLife expands partnership with Everest

MetLife expands partnership with Everest

Access extended to employees’ parents and in-laws

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 July 2025 • 1 min read
The Keep Britain Working review and why collaboration matters more than ever

The Keep Britain Working review and why collaboration matters more than ever

Role of the private sector

Mark Till
clock 22 July 2025 • 3 min read