When Does Statutory Sick Pay Start?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness It is a legal requirement in the UK for employers to pay SSP to their employees, provided certain criteria are met But when exactly does SSP start?

SSP is usually paid from the fourth day of sickness absence This means that if an employee is off work due to illness for at least four consecutive days (including weekends and bank holidays), they are entitled to SSP from the fourth day onwards However, the first three days of sickness absence are known as “waiting days” and are not paid by the employer.

Although SSP usually starts from the fourth day of sickness absence, there are some exceptions to this rule For example, if an employee is off work due to COVID-19, SSP can be paid from the first day of sickness absence This is to encourage employees to self-isolate if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.

Employers have the discretion to pay employees their normal salary for the first three days of sickness absence if they have a company sick pay scheme in place This means that employees do not have to wait until the fourth day to receive payment if their employer chooses to pay them for the first three days of sickness absence.

It is important for employers to keep accurate records of sickness absence and SSP payments to ensure compliance with the law Employees must provide evidence of their sickness absence, such as a doctor’s note, to qualify for SSP Employers can request this evidence from employees to verify that they are genuinely unwell and unable to work.

If an employee’s sickness absence is continuous for more than 28 weeks, they may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or other benefits when does statutory sick pay start. SSP is only paid for a maximum of 28 weeks per period of sickness absence, so employees who are off work for longer than this may need to explore other options for financial support.

Employees who are not eligible for SSP, such as self-employed workers or those earning below the Lower Earnings Limit, may be entitled to other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance It is important for individuals to understand their rights and entitlements when they are unable to work due to illness.

Employers play a crucial role in supporting their employees when they are off work due to illness By paying SSP and providing a safe and healthy work environment, employers can help employees recover and return to work as soon as possible It is in the best interests of both employees and employers to manage sickness absence effectively and promote employee well-being.

In conclusion, Statutory Sick Pay typically starts from the fourth day of sickness absence, with the first three days being waiting days However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as in the case of COVID-19 where SSP can be paid from the first day of sickness absence Employers have the discretion to pay their employees for the first three days if they have a company sick pay scheme in place It is important for employers and employees to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to sickness absence and SSP By working together, employers and employees can create a supportive and healthy work environment