The Problem:
Nearly 2 million UK workers can't get sick pay because they don't earn enough. Even those who get sick pay find it too low at £116.75 a week, starting only from the 4th day of illness, meaning workers often can't afford to take time off and may face punishment for being sick.
 
 
Workers should not have to face the tough choice between our health and earning enough to live.

 
 
 
 The current sick pay system jeopardises the health of all working people and puts added strain on the NHS. 87% of Organise members admitted going into work while sick and 84% of us have got a cold or other illness while at work. Increasing numbers of workers being sick is not only bad for the economy but damaging to workers' short term recovery and long term health and wellbeing. Many workers simply cannot afford to take time off work and in some cases face disciplinary action when they are off sick.

Safe sick pay for workers now!

People should be allowed to get better after being ill and should not be forced to return to work until completely recovered, also they must have enough money to live on.

Retired

Level 1 Change Maker

This is so important as this relates to my working life and as I’m now expected to work until I’m 66, and 7 months before I’m entitled to my state pension, of which so far I’ve contributed 47 years and doing a physical job becoming unwell is a constant worry financially.

Employed

Level 2 Change Maker

What's worse is because we can't afford to be off, we go to work causing everyone around us to become ill as well.

Level 3 Change Maker

In my company if you are salaried you get company sick pay in line with your salary, but hourly paid workers don’t. Why is there this difference? It’s obviously unfair on certain members of staff just because their pay structure is different. Sick pay should be your contracted hours 37.5, 39, 40 or in my case 47.5 hours a week.

Engineering and Construction

Everyone deserves to get paid without worrying when they are unwell.

I am a nurse working for a private company in a care home , we do not get sick pay from company and SSP does no where near cover basic weekly expenses .

Level 4 Change Maker

I have always said this, a hardworker gets Reduced pay, where as someone on benefits and has everything paid for - their pay remains the same and housing rent etc is covered…It is not fair when a worker is forced back to work due to lack of money when used to a good wage and cannot afford to pay rent/mortgage. Unfair system!!

I've gone into work many times while feeling rough ( & probably being contagious) because I can't live on the current level of sickpay . Surely the COVID pandemic should have shown us that if people are ill , they should be able to afford to stay at home & recover & not feel forced to work ......

Manufacturing

As someone that suffers with numerous health conditions and which are also life long full pay should be given to everyone not just a meaningless payment

NHS England

The latest outrageous draconian steps taken by a government enforcing a Dickensian nightmare on the many. Shameful!