Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) temporary workers, (b) people on zero and low hours contracts and (b) people that are self-employed may claim Statutory Sick Pay.

Gig workers or those on zero-hours contracts may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they meet all eligibility criteria. However, SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider government offer of support.

Many of those earning below £120 per week, who are not eligible for SSP, are already in receipt of benefits. For those on Universal Credit, their award will rise if their income falls.

Those who are not already in receipt of benefits may claim Universal Credit and/or new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their individual circumstances.

Self-employed people unable to work because they are directly affected by COVID-19 or who are self-isolating will also be eligible for Contributory Employment and Support Allowance which is now payable from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth.