According to a new study by the HR software provider Ciphr, most UK employees who have workplace-based jobs have worked through sickness at least one (or more times) because of money worries.
A survey of 1,000 UK workers found that the fear of losing their wages pushed nearly two-thirds of in-person employees (64%) to work even when they were ill, as they couldn’t afford to not do so.
In the past six months, women who work at their employer’s workplace or office are more likely to have worked through an illness than men (68% of women surveyed that work on-site vs. 58 percent of men surveyed that work on-site).
Retail and hospitality workers are statistically the most likely to continue working despite being sick, because they can’t afford to be off. In these two industries, around four out of five employees admit to working despite being sick (81% and 78%, respectively). Over half of workers in the social assistance and healthcare sectors admit to working through illness.
The survey respondents (by industry) who have worked through illness due to money worries
- Retail: 81% in-person workers
- Hotel and food services: 78%
- Software and IT: 70%
- Wholesaling: 62%
- Health and Social Assistance: 60%
- Manufacturing: 60%
- Education: 58%
- Government and public administration 58%
- Construction: 57%
- Transport and warehouse: 55%
- Finance and Insurance: 40%
What is the frequency of contractual sick pay?
Results suggest that many employees are not entitled to sick pay from their employer or contract, which is usually triggered on the first day of sickness leave. The employees may be forced to rely instead on statutory sick payment (SSP). Employees who work for organisations that pay only according to SSP rules must be sick off work for three days without being paid before they qualify to receive money. This can add to the financial stress of employees.
Ciphr’s latest cost of living survey reveals that, more generally, rising costs are negatively impacting most people, regardless of where they live or what they do.
Many people were stressed out by the record inflation rates and high prices last year. They lost sleep (52%), struggled to pay bills and buy food (43%), and even experienced stress.
One in five respondents (19%) have a second job to earn extra money, while one in three (34%) are actively looking for work. Another one in six is also considering a more salaried position.
Claire Williams, Chief People Officer at Ciphr says:
As these results show, we are still in a cost of living crisis that is very challenging. Most employers will be aware of the impact rising costs have on their employees. Many may already have responded with increased salaries or bonuses or by providing extra benefits or wellbeing support.
“For many, an increase in living costs does not only affect their income but also their ability to pay bills, pay childcare, fuel the car, turn on the heat, pay rent or mortgage or buy food. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress, which in turn can affect health and well-being.
It is worrying to see more and more workers feel compelled to go to work even when they are not well enough, because of the financial implications of taking time off. Some workers are not entitled to statutory sickness pay under the SSP system. Others simply cannot afford to live off the current SSP rates or wait for the qualifying period to receive it. This is an issue that urgently needs reform. Employers may want to think about their moral position on it as part of a wider social responsibility.
Employers must be aware that every situation is unique. “Not everyone is affected equally by financial pressures, and not everyone copes with this stress in the same manner.”
