Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks and is designed to provide support to employees who are unable to work. But when exactly does statutory sick pay start?
In the UK, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth consecutive day that an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury. This is known as the “waiting period.” This means that employees are not entitled to statutory sick pay for the first three days that they are off work due to illness. However, if an employee has more than one period of sickness within 8 weeks, these are known as linked periods of sickness, and the waiting days don’t need to be served again.
It’s worth noting that the waiting period does not have to be working days – it includes weekends and bank holidays. So if an employee is off sick from Monday to Thursday, they would start receiving statutory sick pay on Friday.
Employees are required to inform their employer of their illness as soon as possible in order to qualify for statutory sick pay. This usually involves notifying their employer within a specified timeframe, usually the first day of sickness absence. Employers may have their own policies and procedures in place for reporting sickness absence, so employees should check their employment contract or company handbook for details.
Once an employee has completed the waiting period, they will be entitled to receive statutory sick pay for up to 28 weeks. The rate of statutory sick pay is set by the government and is reviewed annually. As of April 2021, the standard rate of SSP is £96.35 per week. However, some employers may choose to pay more than the statutory minimum – this is known as enhanced sick pay.
In order to qualify for statutory sick pay, employees must meet certain criteria. They must be classified as an employee and have been off work due to illness for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days). They must also earn at least £120 per week (before tax) to qualify for statutory sick pay.
Employees who are not eligible for statutory sick pay may be able to claim other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. These benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
Employers are responsible for paying statutory sick pay to eligible employees, but they can recover some or all of the cost from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Small employers may be able to claim back up to 100% of SSP paid, while larger employers can recover a percentage of the cost depending on their National Insurance contributions.
It’s important for employers to keep accurate records of statutory sick pay payments and to ensure that they comply with the statutory requirements. Failure to pay statutory sick pay correctly can result in penalties from HMRC, so it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding SSP.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth consecutive day that an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury. The waiting period does not have to be working days and includes weekends and bank holidays. Employees must notify their employer of their illness as soon as possible and meet certain criteria to qualify for SSP. Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees and can recover some or all of the cost from HMRC. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding SSP is essential for both employees and employers to ensure compliance and receive the support they need.
when does statutory sick pay start: When Does Statutory Sick Pay Start?