Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a legal requirement in the UK for employers to provide SSP to their employees under certain conditions But when exactly does SSP start?
SSP entitlement begins from the fourth consecutive day that an employee is off sick This is known as the “waiting period” The first three days of sickness are known as “waiting days” During these waiting days, employees are not entitled to receive SSP However, some employers may have their own sick pay policies that kick in from day one of sickness, so it is important for employees to check their employment contracts or staff handbook to see what sick pay they are entitled to.
It is important to note that the waiting period is not always continuous If an employee returns to work for a period of time and then falls ill again, the waiting period will reset and the employee will need to be off sick for another four consecutive days before they are entitled to SSP.
In order to qualify for SSP, employees must meet certain eligibility criteria They must earn at least £120 per week before tax, be classified as an employee rather than a worker or self-employed, and provide their employer with the correct notification of sickness within the required timeframe.
Employees must inform their employer that they are sick within seven days of being off work, or within the timescale set by their employer if it is less than seven days This notification can be verbal or written, but it is always best to follow the employer’s sickness reporting procedures to avoid any issues with SSP payments.
Employers may require employees to provide a fit note from a doctor if they are off work for more than seven days A fit note is a statement from a doctor that confirms an employee’s medical condition and whether they are fit for work when does statutory sick pay start. Employees must provide this fit note to their employer in order to receive SSP.
The rate of SSP is set by the government and is reviewed annually As of 2021, the rate of SSP is £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks This amount is subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, which will be deducted by the employer before paying out SSP to the employee.
Employers are responsible for calculating and paying SSP to eligible employees They must keep accurate records of SSP payments made and ensure that they comply with SSP regulations to avoid any penalties or fines from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Employees who are not receiving SSP or believe they are entitled to it but are not receiving it can seek advice from HMRC or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) These organizations can provide guidance on how to resolve issues with SSP payments and whether the employer is complying with their legal obligations.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts from the fourth consecutive day that an employee is off sick, with the first three days being waiting days Employees must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the correct notification of sickness to their employer in order to qualify for SSP The rate of SSP is set by the government and is subject to tax and National Insurance contributions Employers are responsible for calculating and paying SSP to eligible employees, and must keep accurate records to avoid any penalties Employees who have issues with SSP payments can seek advice from HMRC or ACAS for assistance.