§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many references have been made by employees and employers to the adjudication officer on statutory sick pay;
(2) what is the average length of time taken by adjudication officers to adjudicate on statutory sick pay references.
§ Mr. LyellI regret that the information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the number of references to adjudication officers on statutory sick pay is known to be very small. In the 12 months ending 31 December 1985 there were only 69 appeals against adjudication officers' decisions on SSP. The length of time taken by adjudication officers will be affected by the need to obtain details from the employer. Only employees and the Secretary of State can refer SSP cases to the adjudicating officer.