UK: Statutory sick pay ‘manifestly inadequate’, European committee rules

The European Committee of Social Rights, a monitoring body of the Council of Europe, described the money available to people claiming statutory sick pay as well as employment support allowance in the UK as “manifestly inadequate” under the European Social Charter, which the UK ratified in 1962.

The committee also stated that a change in domestic law three years ago to dilute health and safety regulations as they apply to self-employed people has created a discriminatory system which also falls foul of the charter.

In numerous cases sick and unemployed people receive less than 40 per cent of the median UK income, said to be £152.22 per week, though others received top payments.

“Regardless of the additional social assistance benefits which might be available, the committee considers that the level of these benefits is manifestly inadequate,” the committee said.

A DWP spokesperson told The Guardian: “Our welfare system is among the best in the world and we are committed to helping people improve their lives. We spend over £90 billion a year supporting people of working age, including those who are out of work or on a low income.”