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Written Question
Statutory Sick Pay: Coronavirus
Tuesday 15th December 2020

Asked by: Karen Bradley (Conservative - Staffordshire Moorlands)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will extend statutory sick pay to members of a household who are required to self-isolate and take unpaid covid-related absence due to another member of that household requiring non-covid related surgery.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson

Statutory Sick Pay is payable from the first day of absence from work, rather than the fourth to individuals who have been told to self-isolate by their doctor or a clinician before being admitted to hospital for planned or elective surgery. SSP eligibility conditions apply, including the requirement that an individual is sick or incapable of work for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days).

SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider government offer to support people in times of need. Those who are not eligible for SSP may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances, to support them when they are unable to work during a period of isolation.

Employers can choose to furlough employees through the CJRS if they are eligible to do so. Employees are able to be furloughed if they are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus.


Written Question
Department for Work and Pensions: Telephone Services
Monday 23rd November 2020

Asked by: Karen Bradley (Conservative - Staffordshire Moorlands)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether self-employed musicians can submit music for use on her Department's helplines.

Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

DWP has a procurement framework with a list of suppliers whom we can purchase from. The Department must ensure that any music used is licence-free and adheres to accessibility standards. There are also set parameters regarding audio frequencies to ensure a quality experience for callers, particularly when using a mobile telephone.