Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is designed to provide financial support to employees during periods of absence from work But when exactly does statutory sick pay start?
In the UK, employees are generally entitled to SSP if they meet certain criteria To qualify for SSP, employees must be earning at least £120 per week, have been off work due to illness for a minimum of four consecutive days (including non-working days), and have informed their employer of their absence within the required timeframe.
SSP usually begins on the fourth day of absence, known as the waiting period This means that employees will not receive SSP for the first three days they are off sick The waiting period includes weekends and bank holidays, so if an employee falls ill on a Thursday, their SSP will start on Monday.
However, there are some exceptions to the waiting period rule If an employee has been off sick for more than three days but then returns to work for at least eight weeks before falling ill again with a related condition, the waiting period can be reset This means that the employee will not have to wait another three days before receiving SSP.
It is important to note that employers have the discretion to pay employees sick pay from the first day of absence, rather than waiting until the fourth day when SSP kicks in This is known as “contractual” or “company” sick pay, and it is not a legal requirement for employers to provide this additional benefit However, many employers choose to offer contractual sick pay as part of their employee benefits package to attract and retain talent.
In addition to SSP, some employees may also be entitled to other types of sick pay, such as Occupational Sick Pay or Enhanced Sick Pay These are often provided in union agreements or company policies and can offer more generous benefits than SSP It is always worth checking your employment contract or speaking to your HR department to find out what sick pay benefits you are entitled to.
Importantly, employees must provide their employer with evidence of their illness in order to qualify for SSP when does statutory sick pay start. This can be in the form of a fit note (formerly known as a sick note) from a doctor or other healthcare professional A fit note will outline the employee’s condition, how it affects their ability to work, and when they are likely to be fit for work again Employers are obliged to accept fit notes as evidence of illness and cannot require further proof, such as a doctor’s report.
It is also worth noting that SSP is paid at a flat rate of £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks This amount is subject to change each tax year, as announced by the government Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees and can reclaim some or all of the costs from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through the Statutory Payment Scheme This scheme allows employers to recover SSP payments if they exceed a certain threshold, known as the Percentage Threshold Scheme.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay typically starts on the fourth day of absence from work, after a three-day waiting period However, employees may be entitled to contractual sick pay from the first day of absence, depending on their employer’s policy It is important to understand your rights and entitlements when it comes to sick pay and to provide your employer with the necessary evidence to qualify for SSP If you have any questions or concerns about sick pay, speak to your HR department or seek advice from a legal professional Remember, your health is important, and it is essential to take the time you need to recover when you are unwell.