Change to sick pay policy

[Pumpkinsoup22]

Just had a letter from employer saying as of today they will only pay ssp. Contract states full pay for number of years worked then if needed same at half pay. So in my case (8 years) I’d be entitled to 8 months at full pay and 8 at half pay. Are they allowed to just change terms of contract? It’s obviously covid 19 related, although currently the business won’t have suffered any loss. Should add in 8 years I’ve had 2 days off sick.

They should probably stick to contract, but who knows? It's survival of the fittest right now.
It may be a choice of ssp only or refundancy/company going under...

I've posted this elsewhere, but unless the government suspends contract law, they cannot unilaterally amend your contract (especially with no notice).

Are you in a union, if so speak to them, otherwise call HR.

No they can't do that, not without consultation/seeking consent.

Many many businesses are having to take steps to cut costs urgently at present, but in the absence of lay-off clauses or similar, they are all needing to seek consent for any contract variations they wish to make, usually by pointing out the implications of consent not being received, ie redundancies or similar.

In this circumstance I would write back saying you understand your consent is needed in order for them to vary your terms and conditions and you are not prepared to consent to this change.