Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) increasing the rate of statutory sick pay, (b) abolishing the lower earnings limit and (c) extending the 28 weeks cap for people living with (i) cystic fibrosis and (ii) other long term conditions.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides a measure of earnings replacement to employees when they are sick or incapable of work. Employers are required to pay it at the legal minimum rate for up to 28 weeks per period of absence. Many employers decide to pay more, and for longer, through Occupational Sick Pay.

If an individual who is suffering from a long-term health condition requires further financial support while off work sick, for example, where their income is reduced while on Statutory Sick Pay, they may be able to claim Universal Credit depending on their personal circumstances. Where they are not eligible, for example, because they earn below the Lower Earnings Limit, they may also be able to claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance.