HC Deb 24 November 1986 vol 106 cc145-6W
Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations the Government have received complaining of the complexity of the three rate system of statutory sick pay; and from what individuals or organisations they were received.

Mr. Lyell

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures for (a) the number of people in receipt of statutory sick pay at each of the three rates, (b) the number of statutory sick pay claims per year at each of the three rates and (c) the total expenditure per year on statutory sick pay.

Mr. Lyell

In 1983–84 there were some 5 million recorded payments of statutory sick pay at all rates and some 5.7 million for 1984–85. It is estimated that 85 per cent. of these were at the standard rate, 7 per cent. at the middle and 8 per cent. at the lower rate. The sum paid out in statutory sick pay by employers was £440 million in 1983–84 and £523 million in 1984–85.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the savings to the Government as a result of the changes proposed to the rates and structure of statutory sick pay.

Mr. Lyell

It is estimated that as a result of the changes proposed to the rates and structure of statutory sick pay there will be a saving of about £19 million.