Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a benefit that many workers in the UK rely on when they are unable to work due to illness or injury It provides financial support to employees who are off work for four or more consecutive days due to sickness But when exactly does statutory sick pay start? In this article, we will clarify the rules and regulations surrounding the commencement of SSP.
SSP is payable from the fourth day of sickness absence This means that if you are ill for less than four days, you will not be entitled to SSP The first three days of sickness are known as ‘waiting days’, and during this time, your employer does not have to pay you SSP However, if you are off work for more than four days, including weekends and bank holidays, SSP should kick in from the fourth day onwards.
It is important to note that SSP is not paid for the first three days of sickness absence unless your employer has a company sick pay scheme that provides for this Some employers offer more generous sick pay arrangements, so it is worth checking your employment contract or speaking to your HR department to find out what your entitlements are.
In order to qualify for SSP, you must earn at least £120 per week (before tax) from your employer You must also have notified your employer of your sickness absence within their specified time frame This is usually within seven days and can be done either verbally or in writing, depending on your employer’s policies.
If you are self-employed or work on a casual basis, you are not entitled to SSP However, you may be eligible for 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.
SSP is paid by your employer for a maximum of 28 weeks After this period, if you are still unable to work due to sickness, you may be eligible for other benefits such as ESA or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when does statutory sick pay start. These benefits are provided by the government and are designed to support individuals who are unable to work or have additional living costs due to a disability.
It is important to keep your employer informed of your sickness absence and provide any relevant medical evidence to support your claim for SSP This may include a doctor’s note or a Fit Note (formerly known as a sick note) from your GP Failure to do so could result in your SSP payments being delayed or withheld.
If your sickness absence relates to a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) instead of SSP This benefit is paid to individuals who have suffered a work-related injury or illness that has resulted in a loss of earnings or disability It is important to report any work-related injuries or illnesses to your employer as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the appropriate support and benefits.
In some cases, your employer may request additional medical evidence to support your claim for SSP This could include a report from an occupational health provider or a specialist doctor Providing this information promptly can help to speed up the processing of your SSP claim and ensure that you receive the financial support you are entitled to.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts from the fourth day of sickness absence for eligible employees earning at least £120 per week before tax It is important to keep your employer informed of your sickness absence and provide any relevant medical evidence to support your claim If you are self-employed or work on a casual basis, you are not entitled to SSP but may be eligible for other benefits Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding SSP can help to ensure that you receive the financial support you need during periods of illness or injury.