Workers and organisations unite for National Day of Action on sick pay
7th February 2025
What's happening?
With just weeks to go until MPs debate the issue of sick pay in Parliament, as part of the Employment Rights Bill, charities, health groups, businesses and workers are coming together to take action.
The Bill promises welcome new reforms, like making people eligible for sick pay from the first day they become ill. However, current proposals won't go far enough to protect millions of people from making tough decisions between their health and paying the bills.
Continue reading for ways you can take part in today's action and over the coming weeks.
“Both my partner and I had to claim sick pay. We couldn't pay our bills or afford food on that pay, which forced me to return to work so we could survive and not lose our home. Upon my return to work, I attempted to end my own life due to the stress and the struggle of it all. I felt like once I couldn't work, my whole world collapsed around me. It's as if, unless I'm able to contribute economically, I don't exist and don't matter. You don't think about these things until they happen to you.”
Ashley, from Sedgefield in the North-East of England
The ways we're taking action
And how you can, too!
Writing to MPs
With only weeks until MPs debate in Parliament, we need to ask them to support amendments on raising sick pay and protecting people on the lowest incomes.
Signing 'Get well soon' cards
From Newcastle to Cornwall, local groups across the UK are signing cards to send to their MPs. Hundreds more people are leaving messages in our digital card.
Meeting MPs
Over 160 MPs are now supportive of the campaign to raise Statutory Sick Pay. The more meetings local constituents hold, the more likely MPs are to come on board.
Sharing on social media
Organisations like Mind, MS Society and more, as well as individuals and local groups, are posting about sick pay on social media. If you have Twitter (X), use the button below to send a pre-written Tweet! Or, you can copy the text to share on a different social media platform.
Sharing stories of sick pay
Thousands of people are struggling to cope on just £3 an hour - the current rate of Statutory Sick Pay. From pushing on at work when sick, to falling into debt and facing severe stress, the UK's sick pay rate is too low to be safe for anyone.
Publishing blogs and articles
National organisations, local press and others are writing about the need for higher sick pay. For example, this article published by Oxfam breaks down the implications of current proposals on the fight against poverty.
Signing petitions
Current proposals won't go far enough to protect people on Statutory Sick Pay from falling behind on bills or getting into debt. Several organisations including The Lead have created petitions directed towards Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions).
