Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Statutory Sick Pay

Wednesday 23 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Olivia Blake asked the Minister about conducting an equality impact assessment of statutory sick pay levels.
  • The Minister responded that annual uprating of statutory sick pay does not necessitate an equality impact assessment.
  • The Minister stated that statutory sick pay should be considered alongside additional support from employers or the welfare system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the recent discussions on conducting an equality impact assessment of statutory sick pay levels.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on conducting an equality impact assessment of the level of statutory sick pay?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

Statutory sick pay is increased annually through uprating, which does not require an equality impact assessment. Individuals requiring further financial support may receive it through the welfare system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for a discussion on conducting an equality impact assessment was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

The MP references research by her union, GMB, which shows detrimental effects of statutory sick pay not being raised to a liveable rate for specific societal groups.

Question

Research by my union has shown that failing to raise statutory sick pay to Liverpool rates has serious negative impacts on particular groups in society. Does the Minister agree that an equality impact assessment should be done and more measures taken to ensure statutory sick pay is set at a liveable rate?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

Equality impact assessments are conducted when there are policy changes, not as part of annual uprating. However, statutory sick pay should not be viewed in isolation as individuals can access additional support from their employer or welfare system. The recent consultation 'Health is everyone's business' addressed these issues and reviews will be published.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for an equality impact assessment was not directly agreed upon.

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