Economic Update Debate

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Department: HM Treasury
Tuesday 17th March 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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As always, my right hon. Friend makes a pithy point. He is right to highlight the importance of prompt payment, especially during this time. That is why the Government are taking every step we can to be prompt in our payments and urging all other businesses that can do so to do exactly the same.

Diana Johnson Portrait Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)
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Given the exceptional circumstances, why exactly can statutory sick pay not be paid at the real living wage rate?

Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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We have an extensive security and support network, which extends beyond statutory sick pay to an NHS that is free at the point of use. Our welfare and security support system works well, and we buttressed it with an extra £1 billion investment last week.