Day one sick pay an important step forward but not enough, says TUC

5 Mar 2020 11:09 AM

Commenting on Boris Johnson’s announcement of statutory sick pay provision from day one of illness, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday said:

“This is an important step forward for working people. But it’s not enough.

“Two million workers still don’t earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay. They can’t afford not to work. And statutory sick pay still isn’t enough to live on.

“Government must go further to ensure that no one is penalised for doing the right thing.”

Notes to Editors:

• The TUC has called for emergency legislation to provide sick pay for all workers, regardless of income. Full details here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-calls-government-tackle-coronavirus-immediate-sickpayforall
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.