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Nearly 2million low-paid workers won't be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay in the Coronavirus crisis, union chiefs have warned.

The Trades Union Congress sounded the alarm as unions, Labour and Lib Dems piled pressure on Boris Johnson to change the law.

Worth £94.25 a week, SSP is paid to people in self-isolation - but not to the self-employed or those who earn under £118 a week.

Tory ministers said those not eligible can claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance instead.

But MPs blasted that as not good enough - as UC has a five-week wait, and ESA needs claimants to have paid National Insurance.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was aware of the problem and "we're going to keep all options under review" - but did not announce any solid changes to the system.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady wrote to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey demanding an emergency law.

(Image: SIMON DAWSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX)

She said: "No one should be out of pocket for doing the right thing. But as it stands, many people won’t be able to meet basic living costs if they stay home from work.

“This is an impossible choice that has serious implications for us all.

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"The fairest and simplest solution is to immediately reform sick pay legislation so it covers all workers at a decent rate."

TUC analysis claims there are nearly 2million low-paid workers who do not qualify for SSP, paid by their employer.

(Image: Daily Express)

They include 34% of those on zero-hour contracts, 63% of workers aged 16 to 24 and one in 10 working women, the TUC said.

And they include more than half of over-65s who are still in work - despite the elderly being the most vulnerable group.

Unite also demanded changes to the law, saying Boris Johnson's response concerns were "vague and wholly inadequate".

Assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: "Without decisive intervention workers simply won’t stay at home - they can’t afford to."



The Prospect union added SSP is less generous than other EU countries including Finland - which pays from day one of isolation.

Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has also called for emergency legal changes - while Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth said some workers will have to choose "between putting food on their table and putting their health first."

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey demanding SSP is extended to the self-employed. She said going on ESA or UC was "an unacceptable solution".

A DWP spokeswoman said: "Employers have been urged to make sure they use their discretion and respect the medical need to self-isolate in making decisions about sick pay.

“Anyone not eligible to receive sick pay is able to claim Universal Credit and/or contributory Employment and Support Allowance.

“We are keeping the situation under constant review and we will take appropriate measures in line with further developments.”

NHS outsourcing firm ISS has agreed full pay for any of its workers self-isolating due to Coronavirus.

GMB union organiser Lola McEvoy said: “This is an admission of the failures of statutory sick pay - and increases the pressure on Government to now follow ISS’ lead.”