At the age of 23, I received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. This news came as a shock, leading to a prescribed five-week radiotherapy regimen at a specialized facility for young patients. The daily commute of 40 miles to the hospital for treatment became a significant part of my routine.
Given the demanding treatment process and the time-consuming hospital visits involving preparation, parking, and waiting, it became unfeasible to maintain my job at a prominent supermarket chain. Consequently, I required an extended leave of absence.
During such challenging times, one hopes for the support of a compassionate employer. Unfortunately, the inadequate sick pay provisions in the UK left me and many others in a tough spot. Initially, I received only two weeks of paid sick leave from my employer before transitioning to statutory sick pay (SSP) for several months, amounting to less than £3 per hour for a full-time worker like myself.
The situation was incredibly difficult, but I was fortunate to have the backing of my partner, family, and friends, along with assistance from organizations like Young Lives vs Cancer. However, I have encountered numerous individuals through the Safe Sick Pay campaign who did not receive any sick pay during their treatment, making their situations even more challenging.
Insufficient sick pay not only affects those battling serious illnesses like cancer but also impacts individuals requiring time off for minor ailments. For individuals on shift work, the delay in receiving payment from the fourth day of illness can result in a substantial loss of income.
Hence, I was dismayed to learn that some members of the House of Lords are opposing the implementation of day one sick pay rights under the Employment Rights Bill. Denying day one sick pay rights and neglecting support for the lowest earners is unjust. These reforms do not demand the impossible from employers; they simply seek to ensure that individuals receive some assistance to rest, recuperate, and return to work safely.
In many parts of the world, including most of Europe, such support is already considered a basic entitlement. Therefore, I urge the House of Lords, along with other affected workers, to endorse the bill and take a crucial step towards establishing a fairer sick pay system for millions of individuals.
