The Employment Rights Bill: BDF responds

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, Business Disability Forum has welcomed the spirit of the proposed legislation but highlighted some key missed opportunities for disabled people and employers, particularly around Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reform and Access to Work. 

Business Disability Forum’s Director of Policy and Research, Angela Matthews, said:  

“We welcome the Government’s ambition to make work function better for everyone. Amending the lower earnings threshold around Statutory Sick Pay and removing the waiting days are both important steps in this direction. The Government, however, missed the opportunity to end the financial disadvantage experienced by people who need a phased return to the workplace. SSP currently stops as soon as someone returns to work even if they are only well enough to work a few hours. This leaves people with the dilemma of returning to work on full hours before they are well enough to do so, risking further periods of ill health, or returning on reduced hours with lower pay and no SSP.  

“Access to work was also missing from today’s announcement even though it provides crucial funding for the adjustments that many disabled people need in the workplace. We have been calling for additional investment in the scheme for many years to reduce waiting times and to end the arbitrary cap which disadvantages certain disabled people with higher support costs. 

“The Government has made it clear that they want to make work pay for everyone. Removing the inherent barriers within schemes which are intended to help people who are unwell or disabled must be part of any employment reform. 

“We will be consulting with our Members on all proposals in the Bill in readiness for the consultation period opening in January.” 

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