§ Mr. Alexanderasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are to be taken to inform employers about the statutory sick pay scheme.
§ Mr. RossiSubject to the Social Security and Housing Benefits Bill receiving Royal Assent, the Department will be issuing a comprehensive guide on statutory sick pay to every employer in the country during July of this year. Staff in DHSS regional and local offices will be ready and available to answer any questions arising after the guide has been distributed.
Although the guide is primarily intended for employers, copies will be held in local offices and will be freely available to organisations, such as trades unions, or individuals with an interest in the scheme.
Our officials have already given a number of talks about statutory sick pay at meetings arranged by employers' groups and we are aware that various employers' organisations across the country are planning to hold courses or seminars to educate their members about the scheme. Staff in the regions will be getting in touch with such organisations as soon as possible after the Bill receives Royal Assent to offer assistance.