Statutory sick pay (SSP) is failing to provide enough support for those who most need financial help when ill; it should be increased and made more widely available, MPs said last week (28 March).

Nine million (83%) frontline workers work through illness as they cannot afford time off, according to research from financial wellbeing service Wagestream.

The UK’s ongoing Covid-19 Inquiry must examine how inadequate sick pay "sabotaged” the country’s public health effort during the pandemic, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

As all remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted in England from Thursday 24 February, how will employers keep vulnerable staff safe?

Despite a recent increase in firms, including Ikea and Next, opting to cut their above-Statutory Sick Pay for unvaccinated employees, many HR professionals seem wary of potential discrimination.

The government’s proposal to reduce free lateral flow tests (LFTs) may leave employers with responsibility for testing some frontline workers.