Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) should be reformed to make it more flexible and suited to phased returns to work, a government report has found.
The Improving Lives: the future of work, health and disability reports sets out plans to reform the statutory benefit to allow employees to consider a phased return to work without having to worry about any financial loss.
The government plans to continue to develop its policy in this area, with a view of launching a consultation on the reforms. It also intends to improve and better publicise the existing guidance on SSP eligibility to ensure that employees and employers know their rights.
In addition, the government is considering the recommendations put forward in Matthew Taylor’s review into modern working practices. This made suggestions about SSP eligibility and the way entitlement is accrued, and about sickness absence management.
‘We will give careful consideration to Taylor’s view that entitlement to SSP is a basic employment right that is a foundation to establishing fair, decent and quality work,’ stated the Improving Lives document. ‘This will recognise the importance of ensuring that individuals also have the right incentives and support to work.’
