TWENTY-FOUR union leaders have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling on him to increase statutory sick pay (SSP).

They raised concerns that Labour is not honouring its manifesto commitment to “strengthen” sick pay in a letter co-ordinated by the Safe Sick Pay campaign.

Leaders of health, Civil Service, education and transport unions warned that some of their members are putting off treatment as sick pay is much lower than their usual salaries.