Around 100,000 people in the UK every year leave work completely after a sickness absence and 44% of people who are off work for a year or more because of illness do not return to the workplace.
This week the government has opened consultations on its proposed package of measures intended to reduce ill health-related job loss.
The proposals include:
- allowing statutory sick pay (SSP) to continue during phased returns to work
- extending eligibility for SSP to those earning below the current minimum threshold of £118 per week. Two million part-time workers currently earn less than this
- strengthening compliance and enforcement of SSP. This could include active enforcement and 200% penalties in line with enforcement of National Minimum Wage
- a rebate of SSP for SMEs
- statutory guidance to employers to take “early, proportionate and reasonable steps to support an employee to return to work, before dismissing them on health grounds”
- a right for employees to request modifications to the workplace on health grounds
The government hopes these proposals will also encourage more people with disabilities and long-term conditions back into work.
For all employers, it is worth taking proactive steps regarding employee health and well-being because it increases employee welfare, productivity and retention of skilled and experienced staff. Government initiatives that support employers’ efforts to support employees experiencing mental or physical ill-health are to be welcomed.
For businesses that have a view on the specifics of the proposals, the deadline for responding to the consultation is 7 October 2019.
For assistance on dealing with sickness absence and supporting employees experiencing health problems, please contact one of our employment advisers.