Require all employers to provide contractual sick pay on top of SSP

46
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closedDepartment for Work and PensionsOpened 17 November 2025Closed 17 May 2026

Background

Make it a legal requirement for all employers to offer enhanced sick pay on top of Statutory Sick Pay. This should guarantee at least partial pay for the full duration of sickness, so workers aren’t - in our view - financially punished for being unwell.

Additional details

Statutory Sick Pay is only £118.75 a week which we think is far below living costs. Many workers may use annual leave to cover sickness, leaving them without proper rest or holidays. This can harm mental health and increases stress. We think no one should have to choose between their health and paying bills. We believe mandatory enhanced sick pay would protect workers’ wellbeing and promote public health.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 746488.