Statutory Sick Pay
This coverage analyses statutory sick pay (SSP) and its implications for the UK retail industry, offering updates on policy changes, compliance requirements, and the operational impact on retailers. Reporting focuses on legislative developments, employer obligations, cost considerations, and workforce management challenges — providing clarity for retail executives, HR managers, and business owners navigating employee wellbeing and statutory entitlements.
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May- 2025 -13 MayFeatures
What does the new Employment Rights Bill mean for retailers?
The Employment Rights Bill, slated for major implementation in autumn 2026, is being hailed by the government as a bold step forward for workers’ rights. But for the retail sector – a cornerstone of the UK economy that employs over three million people – the swift nature of the proposed…
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Feb- 2022 -22 FebruaryCoronavirus
Gov’s living with Covid strategy ‘first step to normality’, says CBI
The CBI has called the government’s ‘living with Covid’ plan the “first step to normality” but warned that businesses still need further guidance on issues such as sick pay and employer liability. The news comes after prime minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday (21 February) that the legal requirement for people…
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18 FebruaryEconomy
End of free Covid tests will harm workers, Union warns
Ending free tests and self-isolation rules, along with no masks, represents a “triple whammy” for Covid safety in stores, according to Usdaw Shoppers Union. It comes after news that government ministers are planning to stop supplies of coronavirus tests to universities in England, in the first case of ending the…
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Jan- 2022 -13 JanuaryCoronavirus
Next cuts sick pay for isolating staff who are unvaccinated
Next has reportedly cut sick pay for staff who are unvaccinated and are forced to isolate due to contact with someone who has tested positive, according to the BBC. The BBC said that staff who are unvaccinated and test positive themselves will still get full sick pay. It added that…
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Dec- 2021 -21 DecemberCoronavirus
Sunak unveils £1bn support package for Omicron-hit businesses
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a further £1bn support package for businesses impacted by the new Omicron variant. As part of the support, businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises. There will also be more than…
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Jun- 2021 -8 JuneGovernment
Gov launches new workers’ rights watchdog to clamp down on abuse
The department for business, energy and industrial strategy has announced that a new watchdog will be created to protect the rights of UK workers. The news follows several calls from trade bodies which have been advocating for workers’ protective rights since the pandemic saw an 80% spike in verbal abuse.…
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Mar- 2021 -18 MarchHigh Street
Wilko key workers prepare to strike amid sick pay cuts
Wilko key workers who are part of GMB union have announced they are preparing to strike after having their sick pay entitlement cut. A consultative ballot undertaken by the union saw 88% of Wilko workers vote that they were ready to take action up to and including strike action following…
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Jun- 2020 -18 JuneComment
Temperature checking employees – don’t get your fingers burnt in an employment tribunal
As lockdown eases, retailers are looking closely at sensible practical measures that they can implement to help minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading within workplaces. Many lessons have been learnt from the experiences of essential retailers who have either stayed open throughout the pandemic, or who have now reopened their…
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Apr- 2020 -15 AprilCoronavirus
HMRC adds new guidance on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
HMRC has issued new guidance regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme and clarifies eligibility for those returning from sick leave and TUPE staff. Issued at the end of last week the third update to the scheme has provided clarification on all aspects of sick leave including those returning from maternity…
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Mar- 2020 -27 MarchCoronavirus
What we know about furlough leave and the CJRS
HMRC published details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) on 26.3.20 which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme Key points include: Employees that employers can claim CJRS for For the purposes of CJRS, the definition of employee would include workers and agency workers provided they are subject to PAYE i.e. this…
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