Overhaul of sick pay
Our Director of Global Influencing and Research Ola Abu Al-Ghaib reacts to the government’s announcement on an overhaul of sick pay, part of a package of measures announced by Theresa May last night.
The measures announced today have the potential to ensure disabled people’s views are fully reflected in government policy and reforms.
Ola Abu Al-Ghaib
Ola Abu Al-Ghaib said:
‘The announcement is long overdue and we naturally endorse what could prove to be a positive development for disabled people in the UK. Leonard Cheshire has long argued for a cross-Government approach and we’re particularly encouraged by workplace reforms to Statutory Sick Pay and new incentives for employers to support those who manage staff on sickness absence.
‘These measures could make a real difference to the high rate of disabled people falling out of work, particularly as a condition develops or changes. Our research shows that 73% of disabled adults in the UK said they have stopped working due to their health condition or disability. Of these, 26% said they spent six months or less in work after developing their health condition or disability.
‘The measures announced today have the potential to ensure disabled people’s views are fully reflected in Government policy and reforms, in a way that has often been absent in the past.’
Notes to editors
For further information please contact Jonathan Sim on jonathan.sim@leonardcheshire.org or call 020 3242 0313.