At the age of 23, I received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. This news came as a heavy blow, requiring a five-week course of radiotherapy at a specialized youth center located 40 miles away. The treatment regimen necessitated daily commutes to the hospital, making it impractical for me to maintain employment at a major supermarket chain due to the draining treatment side effects and the time-consuming hospital visits.
Expecting support from an understanding employer during such a challenging time, I was disappointed by the inadequate sick pay provisions in the UK. Initially granted only two weeks of paid sick leave by my employer, I then had to rely on statutory sick pay (SSP) for several months, amounting to less than £3 per hour for a full-time employee like myself. Fortunately, I received assistance from my partner, family, friends, and charitable organizations such as Young Lives vs Cancer to navigate this difficult period.
Unfortunately, many individuals, as I have learned through the Safe Sick Pay campaign, faced even harsher circumstances, with some receiving no sick pay at all while undergoing treatment. Insufficient sick pay not only impacts those battling serious illnesses but also affects individuals requiring time off for minor ailments, particularly for shift workers who risk losing a significant portion of their income due to delayed payment policies.
It is disheartening to hear that some members of the House of Lords are opposing the inclusion of day one sick pay rights in the Employment Rights Bill. Denying day one sick pay rights, especially to low-wage earners, is unjust. These proposed reforms are not overly burdensome to employers; they simply seek to ensure that individuals receive basic support to recuperate and safely return to work.
In many parts of the world, such as across Europe, access to adequate sick pay is considered a fundamental right. Therefore, I urge the House of Lords, alongside other affected workers, to act in the best interest of millions by passing the bill and implementing these crucial steps towards establishing a fairer sick pay system.