Calls for lowest paid to get sick pay amid coronavirus outbreak
More than 160,000 workers in the West Midlands don’t earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay, according to new analysis.
The Government is being urged to provide emergency support for workers not entitled to sick pay amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday those who do qualify for sick pay would get it from their first day of absence if they are forced to take time off because of the virus.
But union the TUC said support was needed for some of the lowest paid workers.
General Secretary Frances O’Grady warned in a letter to ministers that inadequate provision of sick pay could deter people taking up public health advice, since many workers will struggle to make ends meet if they can’t work for a prolonged period.
As a result, it's feared some may feel they have no choice but to go to work while ill.
Those not eligible for sick pay include 34 per cent of zero-hours workers, one in 10 women in work and more than a fifth - 22 per cent - of workers aged 16-24.
TUC Midlands regional secretary Lee Barron said: “We all want people to follow the Government’s health advice. No-one should be out of pocket for doing the right thing.
“But as it stands, many people won’t be able to meet basic living costs if they stay home from work.
“This is an impossible choice that has serious implications for us all. The fairest and simplest solution is to immediately reform sick pay legislation so it covers all workers at a decent rate.
“It’s the sensible way to give working families the security they need – and to protect public health.”
Sick pay changes were announced by the PM as part of emergency legislation introduced by the Government in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
"Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing," he said.
