Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether sick pay falls within the scope of the Keep Britain Working Vanguard Taskforce.

Sir Charlie Mayfield’s independent Keep Britain Working review report, published on 5 November 2025, aims to tackle health-related economic inactivity, with over one in five working-age adults out of the workforce, substantially because of health problems.

While not the direct focus, Statutory Sick Pay was considered as part of the Keep Britain Working Review, and we will work with the Vanguard employers to explore how to best utilise Occupational Sick Pay to generate the best outcomes for all.

The vanguard phase will consider and make recommendations to government on the incentives needed for employers and employees to deliver better work and health outcomes.