PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus (13 July 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to relax the qualifying conditions for Statutory Sick Pay to enable people contracted for 16 hours per week on the minimum wage to claim that benefit after they have been on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in line with (a) Maternity Allowance, (b) Statutory Maternity Pay, (c) Statutory Paternity Pay, (d) Statutory Adoption Pay, (e) Statutory Shared Parental Pay and (f) Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Normal Weekly Earnings etc.) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

Asked by:
Mark Tami (Labour)

This government has a strong safety net that helps people who are facing hardship and are unable to support themselves financially.

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, receive a flat rate of SSP at £95.85 per week irrespective of their wage. Since SSP is paid at a flat rate rather than being earnings-related, the impact on individuals whose salary is paid at a reduced rate under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is not as significant as for the statutory payments covered by those regulations. We will continue to review the situation and take appropriate measures in line with further developments.

SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider offer to support people in times of need. Many of those on low incomes are already in receipt of benefits. For those on Universal Credit, their award will rise if their income falls. Those who are not already in receipt of benefits may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances, to support them when they are unable to work. We have ensured that benefits are easily accessible and more supportive for those who need to make a claim which will help millions of people most in need.

Answered by:
Justin Tomlinson (Conservative)
21 July 2020