18-07-2019

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a consultation on 15th July 2019 to discuss methods of supporting sick and disabled staff, the changes would largely affect those employees in lower paid jobs.

The consultation will seek the views of both employers and health providers in considering the lowering of the threshold at which employees are eligible for statutory sick pay, currently an employee aged 25 or over, being paid the living wage rate of £8.21 per hour would need to work over 14 hours per week to qualify for statutory sick pay.

While staff aged below 18, receiving a minimum wage of £4.35 per hour, would be required to work over 27 hours per week to qualify.

The consultation will also discuss the flexibility of phased returns to work and a potential rebate for smaller businesses to help them effectively manage their sickness absence.

The government will also consider whether to change the legal guidance concerning how early an employer can intervene during a staff member’s sickness absence, and how to make statutory sick pay more flexible.

Opinions will also be asked regarding any improvements that could be made to reduce the high costs of occupational health services, particularly for smaller organisations.

Amber Rudd, work and pensions secretary, said: “With three in five employers facing challenges when supporting employees to return to work, it’s time that we took a closer look at how businesses can retain staff.

“Good work is good for our mental and physical health, and by working closely with employers we can help prevent the loss of talent when people unnecessarily leave the workplace.”

The consultation closes 7th October 2019 and can be found here.


"I know it is not till next June but just booked on The Payroll Centre's Annual conference. This is my must do course/conference of the year, having been almost every year for 10+ years, only missing for my wedding and having a baby, I even went one year with a 3 month old in tow! "

Andi Herrington
Director of Payroll Services at Wallis Payroll Ltd

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