§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present statutory sick pay scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyYes. The present statutory sick pay scheme is generally working well and a recent Social Security Policy Inspectorate study, a copy of which I have placed in the Library, indicates that most employees prefer it to the DHSS sickness benefit scheme. The Social Security Bill, which was recently considered by a Standing Committee of this House, provides for the extension of an employer's liability to pay statutory sick pay for his employees from 8 to 28 weeks with effect from 6 April 1986. A consultation paper on the extension was issued by the Department on 21 December 1984. A copy has also been placed in the Library.