The government has launched a consultation to transform support for sick and disabled staff and remove barriers for employers. Under the new proposals the lowest paid employees would be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay for the first time, while small businesses may be offered a sick pay rebate to reward those who effectively manage employees on sick leave and help them get back to work. The consultation will also look at how to improve the capacity, value and quality of occupational health services and consider how to reduce the high costs, particularly for smaller employers. The consultation closes on 7 October 2019. The press release about the consultation can be read here.
