statutory sick pay (SSP) is a form of payment provided to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a legal requirement in the UK for employers to pay SSP to their eligible employees who are off work sick for at least four or more days in a row. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about SSP, including who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to claim it.
Who is Eligible for statutory sick pay?
Not every employee is entitled to receive SSP. To be eligible, an employee must meet the following criteria:
– They must be classified as an employee and have done some work for their employer.
– They must have been off work due to illness or injury for at least four consecutive days (including non-working days).
– They must earn at least £120 per week on average.
– They must have informed their employer of their illness within the required timeframe.
– They must have been off work for at least four days in a row, with at least one of those days being a qualifying day (a day they would normally work).
If an employee meets all of these criteria, they are entitled to receive SSP for up to 28 weeks. After the 28-week period, they may be eligible to apply for other forms of financial support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
How Much statutory sick pay Can You Receive?
The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, and it is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. This rate is set by the government and is subject to annual review. SSP is paid in the same way as wages, usually on the employee’s usual payday, and is subject to the usual deductions for tax and National Insurance contributions.
Employers are not required to pay SSP for the first three days that an employee is off work due to sickness. These days are known as “waiting days.” However, if a period of sickness lasts for more than four days, an employee can be paid SSP from the fourth day onwards, including the waiting days. If an employee is eligible for SSP but their earnings are less than £120 per week, they may still be entitled to receive SSP at a lower rate.
How to Claim Statutory Sick Pay
To claim SSP, an employee must follow the company’s sick pay policy, which typically involves notifying their employer of their illness or injury within a certain timeframe. Employers may require employees to provide a doctor’s note or a “fit note” from their GP to confirm their eligibility for SSP.
If an employee is off work due to sickness for more than seven days in a row, they must provide their employer with a fit note from their GP or healthcare professional. The fit note will include information about the employee’s condition and how long they are likely to be off work. This will help the employer determine how much SSP the employee is entitled to receive and for how long.
It is essential for employers and employees to communicate openly and transparently about sick pay entitlements and procedures. Employers should have a clear sick pay policy in place that outlines the process for claiming SSP and the employee’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to sick leave.
Conclusion
Statutory Sick Pay is a vital form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that employees are able to take time off work to recover without worrying about their finances. By understanding who is eligible for SSP, how much they can receive, and how to claim it, both employers and employees can navigate the sick pay system effectively and ensure that employees receive the support they need during times of illness.