According to research recently published by Unum, more than four fifths of employers provide sick pay above their statutory obligations.

 In addition to this more than 60% of employers pay their employees for up to one year, even after statutory requirements have ended. Beyond this only 12% of employers continue to pay sick pay.

 The survey of human resources professionals across the country found that 88% of employees rated providing sick pay above what was legally required as reasonable or very important.

 Under current legislation sick or injured employees who are unable to work are entitled to statutory sick pay of £81.60 per week for 6 months (increasing to £85.85 from 09/04/12). If the employee is still not able to return to work after this initial 6 month period they are entitled to an employment and support allowance of at least £4,901 a year.

 In addition to supplemented sick pay benefits, the survey also found theat despite the continuing economic downturn many employers were still offering benefits packages:

• 79%  provide death in service or life insurance
• 70% offer childcare vouchers
• 61% offer private medical care insurance
• 55% operate incentive/bonus schemes
• 34% give employees a car allowance

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Tags: Employment