At the age of 23, I received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that presented a significant challenge. The prescribed treatment regimen consisted of five weeks of radiotherapy at a specialized facility for younger patients, necessitating a daily 40-mile commute for my sessions.
The demanding treatment schedule, coupled with the time-consuming hospital visits for preparation, parking, and waiting, rendered it unfeasible for me to maintain employment at my previous position with a major supermarket chain. Consequently, I required an extended leave of absence.
During this critical period, the inadequacies of the sick pay benefits in the UK became painfully apparent. Following just two weeks of paid sick leave from my employer, I transitioned to statutory sick pay (SSP) for an extended duration, receiving compensation equivalent to less than £3 per hour for a full-time employee like myself.
The lack of substantial sick pay support was challenging. Fortunately, the unwavering support of my partner, family, and friends, along with the assistance provided by organizations such as Young Lives vs Cancer, helped alleviate some of the financial burden.
Regrettably, many individuals I have encountered through the Safe Sick Pay campaign have faced even more dire circumstances, with some receiving no sick pay at all while undergoing treatment. In addition to affecting those battling serious illnesses, insufficient sick pay also adversely impacts individuals requiring time off for minor ailments, particularly shift workers who risk losing almost a week’s worth of pay if compensation only begins on the fourth day of illness.
Recent attempts by certain members of the House of Lords to impede the implementation of day one sick pay rights through the Employment Rights Bill are alarming. Denying these rights and neglecting support for low-income earners is unjust. These proposed reforms are not burdensome demands on employers but rather a basic requirement to ensure individuals receive necessary support to recuperate and return to work safely.
While many countries, including most of Europe, already offer comprehensive sick pay benefits, the UK lags behind in this regard. I join other affected workers in urging the House of Lords to prioritize the passage of the bill, which represents a crucial step towards establishing a more robust sick pay system that will benefit millions of individuals.