Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a benefit provided to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is paid by employers and is intended to provide financial support to workers during periods of sickness But when exactly does statutory sick pay start?
The first thing to note is that statutory sick pay only applies to employees who are off work due to illness for at least four days in a row, including non-working days This period is known as a “qualifying period” and begins on the first day that an employee is unable to work due to illness.
Once the qualifying period has been met, statutory sick pay will usually start on the fourth day of absence This means that employees will not receive statutory sick pay for the first three days that they are off work due to illness These first three days are known as “waiting days.”
However, there are some exceptions to the waiting days rule For example, if an employee has been off work due to illness for more than four days in a row and then returns to work for less than eight weeks before going off sick again for the same illness, the waiting days will not apply This is known as a “linked period of sickness.”
Additionally, employees who are off work due to coronavirus (COVID-19) are entitled to statutory sick pay from the first day of absence This is in recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding the pandemic and the need to support employees who are required to self-isolate or are otherwise unable to work due to COVID-19.
It’s worth noting that employers are able to pay more than the statutory minimum for sick pay if they choose to do so when does statutory sick pay start. Some employers offer enhanced sick pay schemes that provide more generous benefits than statutory sick pay It’s a good idea to check your employment contract or company policy to see what sick pay entitlements your employer offers.
In order to qualify for statutory sick pay, employees must meet certain eligibility criteria They must be classified as an employee rather than a worker or self-employed individual, and they must earn at least £120 per week They must also inform their employer that they are unable to work due to illness within the time frame specified by their employer, usually within seven days.
Employees who believe they are entitled to statutory sick pay but are not receiving it should speak to their employer in the first instance If they are still unable to resolve the issue, they can contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for assistance.
It’s important for both employers and employees to understand the rules surrounding statutory sick pay in order to ensure that employees receive the support they are entitled to when they are off work due to illness By following the guidelines set out by the government, employers can ensure that they are meeting their legal obligations and employees can access the financial support they need during periods of sickness.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay typically starts on the fourth day of absence for employees who are off work due to illness for at least four days in a row However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as for employees with linked periods of sickness or those who are off work due to COVID-19 It’s important for employers and employees to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to statutory sick pay in order to ensure a smooth and fair process for all parties involved.