Scope comments on statutory sick pay (SSP) consultation

Scope has commented after the government launched a consultation on statutory sick pay (SSP).

The consultation will explore allowing phased returns to work, in which people would continue to receive statutory sick pay.

Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive at disability equality charity, Scope, says:

“Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a vital issue for many disabled people, and something Scope has been campaigning on for many years.

“The government’s consultation to reform Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rightly recognises that the system is out of date, inflexible and poorly enforced.

“SSP was introduced over 30 years ago to support unwell employees financially, yet the current system hits disabled people hard, not providing enough support to cover costs.

“One disabled person told us ‘I went back [to work] because otherwise, money was going to dry up.’

“It can be a case of being stuck working when unwell or becoming financially unstuck. Good modern, inclusive employment supports employees at every stage.

“For every 100 disabled people who enter work, 120 leave. Fundamental change is needed to improve the disability employment gap, which hasn’t changed for over a decade.

“We welcome the government’s consultation but it is disheartening that they won’t be consulting on the level or length of SSP being provided.

“A sick pay system that offers support which is flexible, fair, and right away should be a priority for the next government.”


Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive at disability equality charity, Scope, says:

“The Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) system is out of date, inflexible and poorly enforced, so it’s great news that Government is consulting.

“The proposed increased flexibility and better enforcement of SSP could help keep more disabled people in work.

“But current flaws in the system with the level and length of SSP provided aren’t included. Disabled people would still face the stark choice between working when unwell or struggling to make ends meet.

“A sick pay system that offers support which is flexible, fair, and right away should be a priority for the next government.”