DWP confirms change that could affect how all workers are paid

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a change that could see workers being paid more quickly in certain circumstances. In an update on Tuesday, the DWP said it is "making changes to the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)" which include axing the previous waiting time and the Lower Earnings Limit.

As a result, SSP will be accessible to all employees from the onset of their sickness absence, regardless of income level. A new consultation aims to gather public opinions on the proposed pay rate for those who earn less than the flat rate of SSP.

The revision is set to benefit approximately 1.3 million employees currently ineligible for SSP. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall commented: "Millions of employees across the UK who can't immediately get sick pay if they are too unwell to work deserve better. "

She added: "People should not have to choose between earning a living at work or getting better at home - the changes we want to see will allow employees to do both and businesses to get on. We are now asking for your views on the rate of sick pay for low earners as we fix our broken labour market and the poor pay and working conditions that have been holding our economy back."