A concerning report has brought to light the financial struggles faced by cancer patients in the UK. An estimated 250,000 individuals are grappling with covering essential expenses such as rent and heating due to insufficient statutory sick pay (SSP).
Mphango Simwaka, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, shares her experience. Her monthly income plummeted from £1,700 to £464 after her diagnosis. Despite being entitled to Universal Credit, she encountered difficulties in accessing it. The current SSP, which stands at £116.75 per week, has been deemed inadequate, providing an income replacement rate of just 17% for the average salary.
The report highlights the additional costs associated with cancer, including hospital parking, travel to treatment, and increased heating and food bills. For a worker on the median salary who takes six months off for cancer treatment, the potential income loss is estimated at £10,093, while additional costs can reach £4,200.
Charities and organizations, including Macmillan Cancer Support and Young Lives vs Cancer, have urged the government to address this issue. They call for an uplift of SSP, payments from the first day of sickness, and the abolition of the earnings threshold.
Rachel Kirby-Rider, chief executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, emphasizes the pressing need for a safe sick pay system for young people with cancer. She explains that many have to cease working immediately for treatment and face prolonged recovery periods.
The report underscores the importance of providing financial support for cancer patients to alleviate stress and allow them to focus on their recovery. It remains to be seen if the government will heed these appeals and take steps to improve the current SSP system.
