Many small businesses cannot absorb the extra cost of additional days of statutory sick pay. Long-term sickness or multiple absences could threaten business survival and jobs. The Government should fund the cost of all sick pay rather than requiring small businesses to pay.

Small businesses often operate on tight margins and cannot easily absorb additional employment costs. Requiring employers to pay all statutory sick pay from Day 1 could place significant financial pressure on small companies, especially if employees take long-term sickness or if several staff are absent at once. This could threaten business stability and jobs. The Government should fund all sick pay rather than small businesses having to provide this.