Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made to employees by their employers when they are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a key benefit that helps support individuals during times of sickness However, many people are often unsure of when SSP actually starts and how it is calculated In this article, we will explain when statutory sick pay starts and provide clarity on the process.
SSP is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks to employees who are too ill to work To qualify for SSP, employees must meet certain criteria These criteria include being an employee, earning an average of at least £120 per week, and being sick for at least 4 days in a row SSP does not apply to self-employed individuals or those who are receiving statutory maternity pay.
So, when does statutory sick pay actually start? SSP starts on the fourth day of sickness absence, known as a “waiting period” This means that employees are not entitled to SSP for the first three days that they are off sick Day one of sickness absence is usually the first day that an employee would have worked if they were not sick If an employee is off sick for more than 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays, they will need to provide their employer with a sick note from a doctor This is known as a “fit note” and will indicate the reason for the sickness absence and how long the employee is expected to be off work.
Employers are required to pay SSP to eligible employees from the fourth day of sickness absence until the employee either returns to work, reaches 28 weeks of sickness absence, or their contract of employment ends The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks when does statutory sick pay start. It is paid by the employer in the same way as wages, usually on the employee’s usual payday.
SSP is not paid for the first three days of sickness absence unless the employee has been off sick and receiving SSP within the last 8 weeks This is known as a “linked period” If an employee has a linked period of sickness absence, they are entitled to be paid SSP from the first day of their sickness absence A linked period expires after 8 weeks of returning to work.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand the rules around SSP and when it starts Employees should notify their employer as soon as possible if they are too ill to work and provide a fit note if they are off sick for more than 7 days Employers must pay SSP to eligible employees from the fourth day of sickness absence and keep accurate records of sickness absences and payments made.
In some cases, employers may offer more generous sick pay schemes than SSP This could include paying full pay for a certain period of sickness absence or providing additional benefits such as private healthcare Employers should outline their sick pay policy in the employment contract or company handbook so that employees are aware of what they are entitled to.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth day of sickness absence for eligible employees who meet the qualifying criteria Employers are required to pay SSP to employees until they return to work, reach 28 weeks of sickness absence, or their contract of employment ends It is important for both employers and employees to understand the rules around SSP to ensure that employees are supported during times of sickness By following the correct procedures and keeping accurate records, employers can help to ensure compliance with SSP regulations and provide a safety net for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.