Cancer patients in the United Kingdom are experiencing financial hardship due to inadequate sick pay. A new study by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University has calculated that people on statutory sick pay could be between £5,000 and £28,000 worse off during their treatment, depending on extra costs and loss of income.
The research highlights the challenges faced by cancer patients who often have to cover additional expenses such as hospital parking charges, travel to treatment, and increased heating bills. Despite their illness, many patients are forced to work from home or use their annual leave to avoid losing pay. This can have a negative impact on their recovery and long-term health.
A dozen charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support and Young Lives vs Cancer, have written to the UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, and the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, demanding urgent reforms to the sick pay system. They argue that the current rate of £116.75 per week is insufficient and leaves patients struggling to make ends meet.
Henny Braund, Chief Executive of stem cell charity Anthony Nolan, said: “No one should have to worry about making ends meet after a cancer diagnosis, but the reality is patients and families are struggling to pay for food, heating, and travel to hospital. The “safety net” of sick pay and other support is failing too many people and needs urgent reform.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said that there is a “wide financial safety net” to support people who are too ill to work, including Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, the spokesperson did not address the calls for an increase in sick pay.
The Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain said that SSP is “desperately in need of reform” and that people facing cancer should not also have to deal with “additional burdens from financial hardship.”
