Understanding Statutory Sick Pay: When Does It Start?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a form of government-mandated payment that employers in the UK are required to provide to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is designed to provide support to workers during periods of sickness, ensuring they do not suffer financially while they are unable to work.

One of the most common questions employees have about SSP is, “when does statutory sick pay start?” The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the employee’s length of service, the reason for their sickness absence, and whether they have provided the necessary documentation to support their claim.

In general, SSP usually starts on the fourth consecutive day of sickness absence. This is known as the “waiting period.” The first three days of sickness absence are referred to as “qualifying days” and are not eligible for SSP. However, some employers may offer their employees sick pay for these qualifying days as part of their company sick pay policy.

In order to qualify for SSP, an employee must be off work for at least four days in a row, including weekends and bank holidays. The employee must also earn at least £120 per week on average to be eligible for SSP. If an employee meets these criteria, they are entitled to receive SSP for up to 28 weeks.

Employees who are on a fixed-term contract are also eligible for SSP as long as they meet the qualifying criteria. However, self-employed workers and contractors are not entitled to SSP as they do not have an employer to provide sick pay.

In some cases, employees may be required to provide a sick note, also known as a “fit note” from their doctor to support their claim for SSP. A fit note is a medical certificate provided by a doctor that confirms the employee’s illness or injury and gives an indication of how long they are likely to be off work. Without a fit note, an employee may not be eligible to receive SSP.

It is important for employees to notify their employer as soon as possible if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This will help the employer make the necessary arrangements for paying SSP and ensure the employee receives the support they are entitled to.

It is worth noting that SSP is paid at a flat rate of £96.35 per week as of 2021. This amount is subject to change each year, so employees should check the current rate when making a claim for SSP. Employers are required to pay SSP to eligible employees in the same way they pay their regular wages, usually on the employee’s usual payday.

If an employee’s period of sickness absence lasts longer than 28 weeks, they may be eligible to claim other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability and can be claimed after SSP ends.

In summary, statutory sick pay usually starts on the fourth consecutive day of sickness absence, after a three-day waiting period. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for SSP, including earning at least £120 per week on average and providing a fit note from their doctor if required. Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees in the same way they pay their regular wages, and the amount of SSP paid is subject to change each year.

Understanding when statutory sick pay starts is important for both employers and employees to ensure that employees receive the support they need during periods of illness or injury. By following the rules and guidelines for SSP, employers can fulfill their legal obligations and employees can access the financial assistance they are entitled to.