When an employee falls ill or is unable to work due to sickness, statutory sick pay (SSP) may be provided to help support them financially SSP is a form of financial aid that is mandated by law in the United Kingdom, ensuring that employees receive payment when they are unable to work due to illness However, it is important to understand when statutory sick pay starts and how it can be claimed.
SSP is available to employees who are classified as ‘employees’ – meaning they have a contract of employment, earn at least £118 a week, and are unable to work due to sickness for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) It is important to note that self-employed individuals, company directors who do not have an employment contract, and those who are under the state pension age are not eligible for SSP.
Statutory sick pay typically begins on the fourth day of sickness absence, known as the waiting period This waiting period allows the employee to recover from their illness without immediately having to worry about financial concerns It is important to note that the waiting period is not the first three days off work, but rather the fourth day onwards This means that employees will not receive SSP for the first three days of illness unless their absence lasts longer than seven continuous days.
If an employee is off work for more than seven continuous days due to sickness, including non-working days, they must provide their employer with a fit note from a doctor This fit note, previously known as a sick note, provides evidence of the employee’s illness and the expected duration of their absence The fit note must be provided to the employer no later than the eighth day of sickness absence.
Once the fit note is provided, the employee can begin claiming SSP from their employer Employers are required to pay SSP for up to 28 weeks, assuming the employee remains eligible for it The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, which is subject to change annually when does statutory sick pay start. It should be noted that employers are not required to pay SSP for the first three days of sickness absence, as this falls under the waiting period.
In some cases, employers may have their own sick pay policies that offer more generous benefits than SSP In these instances, employees may be entitled to full or partial pay for a longer period It is important for employees to familiarize themselves with their employer’s sick pay policy to understand what benefits they are entitled to.
Employees who are not eligible for SSP may be able to apply for other forms of financial assistance, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from the government ESA is a form of financial support for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability To qualify for ESA, individuals must meet certain criteria set by the government.
It is important for employees to communicate openly with their employers about their illness and how it may impact their ability to work Employers are required to adhere to certain guidelines outlined by the government when it comes to providing SSP and supporting employees who are off work due to sickness.
Overall, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth day of sickness absence, after the waiting period has elapsed Employees must provide their employer with a fit note from a doctor if they are off work for more than seven continuous days Employers are required to pay SSP for up to 28 weeks, assuming the employee remains eligible for it By understanding when statutory sick pay starts and how it can be claimed, employees can ensure they receive the financial support they need during periods of illness.