Amey plc has refused to revise its policy on sick pay during the pandemic, with a senior executive claiming that Covid-19 is "less severe" than influenza.This comment was made amidst a negotiation between the outsourcing firm and GMB, the union representing refuse collectors employed by Amey in the London Borough of Ealing. The workers and their union asked Amey to pay workers their full pay, rather than statutory sick pay, if they had to self-isolate to slow the spread of Covid-19.

The GMB accuses Amey of forcing workers to choose between health and wealth, stating that workers could not afford to self-isolate if they only received the statutory sick pay.

A spokesperson for Amy distanced the firm from the senior executive's comments, stating "We are resolutely committed to the safety of our employees and the communities we serve, and we can confirm we provide contractual sick pay from day one for any Covid-19 related illness."