Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason Budget 2020 did not implement the recommendation of the Taylor Review to extend statutory sick pay to include those earning below the lower earnings limit; and if she will make a statement.

Our immediate focus is on ensuring that there is an effective financial safety net for individuals. Many of those earning below £118 per week are already in receipt of benefits. If they are on Universal Credit, their award will rise when their income falls. More generally Universal Credit and New Style Employment and Support Allowance exist to support people when they are unable to work because they are ill or isolating.

We consulted last year on the idea of extending Statutory Sick Pay eligibility to those earning below the Lower Earnings Limit, as part of a wider package of measures intended to support people to remain in work and reduce ill-health related job loss. The rationale was about retaining a link between employer and employee. We received a good response from a range of stakeholders. A response to the consultation will be published later this year.