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Written question asked by Sarah Hall (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Sick Pay: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help ensure that discretionary sick pay arrangements do not disadvantage disabled workers.

Answer

Employers have a statutory duty to pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to employees who satisfy the qualifying criteria. They can offer occupational or discretionary sick pay to their employees at a higher rate than the statutory minimum, but may place limits on eligibility or duration. Employers are not required to offer occupational sick pay, but must still pay SSP to eligible employees.

When setting discretionary sick pay policies within their organisation, employers need to ensure that these are not discriminatory, for example against disabled workers and that they comply with employment laws and the Equality Act 2010. Employees are able to access free, confidential advice if they have concerns about their employer’s company sick pay policy and any aspect of employment law by contacting ACAS.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120138
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Disability Sick pay
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk