Call for Evidence

The Committee welcomes submissions on the following questions: 

• Is the current level of Statutory Sick Pay at £109.40 per week sufficient? 
• Many European countries have a higher rate of Statutory Sick Paybut a shorter duration of support when compared to the UK. Would this be a preferable alternative?
• Statutory Sick Pay is currently paid from the fourth qualifying day of sickness absence. Should this three-day wait period be changed or removed?
• How effective is the role of the employer in administering Statutory Sick Pay? How could it be improved, including in terms of how employees are supported?
• Is Statutory Sick Pay well implemented and enforced at the moment? How can this be improved?
• How could a phased return to work and Statutory Sick Pay work better together? 
• Should Statutory Sick Pay be extended to include those earning below the lower earnings limit? If so, what would be a fair balance between support for employees and avoiding the risk of creating a disincentive to return to work?
• What would be the best way for the Government to support SMEs who may lack resources to invest in best practice measures to help staff return to work? 
• Should Statutory Sick Pay be available to people who are self-employed? How might this work?
• Are there any examples of international best practice in relation to Statutory Sick Pay that the UK can learn from?

The deadline for submissions is Friday 8 December 2023.