Nearly 30% of respondents had no idea what their employer will pay them if they have to take sick leave, according to analysis by not-for-profit insurer PG Mutual.
The research, which analysed the previously unpublished Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) Survey 2012, which questioned 830 PDA members, found that UK employees are running the risk of state sick pay becoming their only source of income in the event of long-term sick leave.
It also found that 76% of respondents did not know what level of state sickness pay they would be entitled to. Currently, it stands at £86.70 per week.
Mike Perry, chief executive officer of PG Mutual, said: “We have seen an increase in the number of people taking out income protection over the past year, but there still seems to be a misunderstanding of what it is and of its importance.”
