An Oldham MP has said that urgent reforms to sick pay should happen “as soon as possible”.

Debbie Abrahams, who has held the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency since 2011, said that the three-day waiting period for statutory sick pay should be abolished.

It comes as the Work and Pensions Select Committee, of which Mrs Abrahams is a member, published a report calling for an increase in sick pay.

It also said that eligibility should be extended to all employees, not just those above the lower earnings limit.

The Oldham Times: Debbie Abrahams MP has said that urgent reforms to sick pay should happen “as soon as possible”Debbie Abrahams MP has said that urgent reforms to sick pay should happen “as soon as possible” (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

The Labour MP, a former public health consultant, said: “Whilst the Select Committee report on statutory sick pay makes some excellent recommendations such as the abolition of the lower earnings limit, we weren’t able to agree to an abolition of the three day waiting period.

“I’d like to see this happen as soon as possible. Shift workers like care workers, cleaners and hospitality staff are often more exposed to bugs due to their public roles and as statutory sick pay doesn’t pay out until day four, they lose out.

“It means a worker has to choose between isolating with no pay, or turning up at work still carrying an infectious bug. The government has turned a blind eye to the problem and is failing to learn the lessons of the pandemic."