The MS Society has shared its views on how the government's plans to modernise workers' rights in England and Wales will impact people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The charity says there are two key areas the Employment Rights Bill covers that will impact people living with MS — improvements to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and stronger rights to flexible working.
The Bill proposes making SSP available from day one on the job, removing the waiting period for payment and expanding access to SSP by removing the Lower Earnings Limit. It also proposes making flexible working the default contract status for all workers. Currently, someone has to be in their job for six months before they can request flexible working.
The MS Society thinks the government should make SSP easier to use and more flexible and bring the rate in line with the National Living Wage.
The charity's head of policy, Ceri Smith, said: "The Employment Rights Bill presents a welcome step towards tackling workplace discrimination and improving inclusive employment in the UK. Positive measures in the Bill – like expanding access to Statutory Sick Pay and making flexible working the default for all – will help address some of these challenges.
"The UK Government must now show strength and leadership by delivering these core parts of the Employment Rights Bill in full. We would also like to see the Bill go further to ensure that no one has to make the devastating choice between sacrificing their health and financial hardship."