Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Require all employers to provide contractual sick pay on top of SSP
Closed
46 signatures
What the petition asks
Make it a legal requirement for all employers to offer enhanced sick pay on top of Statutory Sick Pay.
This should guarantee at least partial pay for the full duration of sickness, so workers aren’t - in our view - financially punished for being unwell.
This should guarantee at least partial pay for the full duration of sickness, so workers aren’t - in our view - financially punished for being unwell.
Statutory Sick Pay is only £118.75 a week which we think is far below living costs.
Many workers may use annual leave to cover sickness, leaving them without proper rest or holidays.
This can harm mental health and increases stress.
We think no one should have to choose between their health and paying bills.
We believe mandatory enhanced sick pay would protect workers’ wellbeing and promote public health.
Many workers may use annual leave to cover sickness, leaving them without proper rest or holidays.
This can harm mental health and increases stress.
We think no one should have to choose between their health and paying bills.
We believe mandatory enhanced sick pay would protect workers’ wellbeing and promote public health.
Timeline
| 17 Nov 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 17 May 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
46
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
17 Nov 2025
Closed
17 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.