How much is statutory sick pay? MPs call for 'modest' £63 rise

A group of MPs wants a “modest” rise in statutory sick pay (SSP) to support workers better.

Most workers can receive this payment, which an employer pays if employees are too ill to work for up to 28 weeks. Claimants may need to produce a doctor’s note. 

Politicians say the amount must be enough to help those signed off but cannot be unaffordable for employees.

Sky News reported Sir Stephen Timms, chairman of the work and pensions committee, saying: "Statutory sick pay is failing in its primary purpose to act as a safety net for workers who most need financial help during illness.

"With the country continuing to face high rates of sickness absence, the Government can no longer afford to keep kicking the can down the road on reform.

"The committee's proposals strike the right balance between widening and strengthening support and not placing excessive burdens on business.” 

The committee does not represent the Government and would need to win over Cabinet ministers to implement the rise.

Here is what it all means. 

Sir Stephen Timms has called for an increase in sick pay (PA Media)

How much is statutory sick pay?

You can get £109.40 per week statutory sick pay if you’re too ill to work. 

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, you cannot receive less than the statutory amount and get more if your company has a sick pay scheme.

There is a different set of rules for agriculture workers. 

The work and pensions committee proposes a £63 rise to £172.48 per week, which Sir Stephen called “modest”. 

The DWP says the payment will rise by 6.7 per cent from April, a £7.30 increase — far below the amount called for. 

A spokesman said: "Our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan is tackling sickness absence and getting people back working, while we are expanding access to mental health services and supporting those at risk of long-term unemployment."

Statutory sick pay eligibility

To qualify for statutory sick pay, you must:

• be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
• earn an average of at least £123 per week
• have been ill for more than 3 days in a row (including non-working days)

Agency workers are entitled to statutory sick pay.

For more information about the payment, including exceptions and what payments you may be eligible for, visit the Government website here.