§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently receiving a benefit for long-term incapacity under occupational sick pay schemes; and if he will break down the figures by sex and standard age cohorts.
§ Mr. ScottOut of a total work force of 22 million it is estimated that just under 13 million (58 per cent.) have occupational sick pay cover for long-term sickness. These comprise about 6.5 million men (54 per cent. of the male work force) and 6 million women (61 per cent. of the female work force). Information about the coverage of age is not available. The information is based on the report on occupational sick pay schemes by IFF Research Ltd. for the Department of Social Security, published in November 1988.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average payment currently being received by recipients of a benefit for long-term incapacity under occupational sick pay schemes; and if he will break down the figures by sex and standard age cohorts.
§ Mr. ScottI regret that information is not available in the form requested. The report on occupational sick pay schemes shows that 57 per cent. of all employees with long-term sick pay cover receive a percentage of salary when sick and a further 19 per cent. receive a scale rate. Payments for the remainder are calculated on a variety of different bases—for example, full basic salary, a flat rate amount or a discretionary rate.