Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a benefit paid by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to eligible employees, provided they meet certain criteria. One common question employees have is when does statutory sick pay start? In this article, we will delve into the details of when SSP starts and how you can qualify for it.
SSP entitlement begins on the fourth consecutive day of absence due to illness. This means that you must be off work for at least four days in a row before you can start receiving SSP. The first three days of sick leave are known as ‘waiting days,’ during which you will not receive any SSP. However, some employers may have their own sick pay scheme that allows for payment from the first day of absence, so it is essential to check your employment contract or company policy.
To be eligible for SSP, you must be classified as an employee and have been off work due to illness for at least four days in a row, including non-working days such as weekends and bank holidays. You must also earn at least £120 per week before tax to qualify for SSP. If you meet these criteria, your employer must pay you SSP for up to 28 weeks.
SSP is paid at a flat rate set by the government, which is currently £96.35 per week. It is important to note that SSP is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions. If you are unsure about your entitlement to SSP or the rate at which it should be paid, you can speak to your employer or contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for guidance.
In some cases, your employer may request a fit note from your doctor as evidence of your illness. A fit note, previously known as a sick note, indicates that you are unable to work due to a medical condition. Your doctor will assess your fitness for work and provide a fit note stating the duration for which you are unfit to work. Your employer may request this documentation to support your claim for SSP.
If your illness extends beyond 28 weeks, you may be eligible for other forms of financial support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is a benefit provided by the government for individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability. To apply for ESA, you will need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine your eligibility.
In some cases, you may be entitled to receive SSP from more than one employer if you have multiple jobs. Each employer is responsible for paying SSP to their eligible employees, so you may receive SSP from each employer for the days that you are off work due to illness. However, the combined amount of SSP that you receive from all employers cannot exceed the maximum weekly rate set by the government.
It is essential to be aware of your rights and entitlements regarding SSP to ensure that you receive the support you need during periods of illness. If you have any concerns about SSP or if you believe that you are being unfairly denied SSP, you can seek advice from organizations such as ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or Citizens Advice.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth consecutive day of absence due to illness, after the initial three waiting days. To qualify for SSP, you must meet certain criteria, including being classified as an employee and earning at least £120 per week before tax. SSP is paid at a flat rate set by the government and is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions. If you have any questions or concerns about SSP, do not hesitate to seek advice from relevant organizations.