Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing statutory sick pay in response to the resumption of required quarantine and self isolation.

As part of the Government’s response to Covid-19, we have extended Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to those who are sick or self-isolating due to coronavirus; for example, where they or a member of their household has tested positive. SSP is also payable from the first day of absence, rather than the fourth, where an employee is sick or self-isolating due to coronavirus. Individuals are not eligible for SSP where they are self-isolating or quarantining after entering or returning to the UK after travelling abroad.

SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider government offer to support people in times of need. Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support they may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances.