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, and employees are entitled to receive SSP if they meet certain criteria. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about statutory sick pay, including who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to claim.
Who Is Eligible for statutory sick pay?
To be eligible for SSP, you must meet the following criteria:
– You must be classified as an employee and have done some work for your employer.
– You must be earning at least £120 per week.
– You must have been off work for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days.
– You must notify your employer of your absence and provide them with a self-certification form or a doctor’s note, depending on the length of your illness.
If you meet these criteria, you will be entitled to receive SSP for up to 28 weeks. After this period, if you are still unable to work, you may be eligible for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
How Much SSP Can You Receive?
The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, and it is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. This amount is subject to change annually, so it is important to check the latest rates to ensure you are receiving the correct amount.
If you work part-time or irregular hours, your SSP will be calculated based on your average weekly earnings over the previous eight weeks. This means that if you have worked overtime or received bonuses during this period, it will be taken into account when determining your SSP entitlement.
Some employers may offer company sick pay schemes that are more generous than SSP, so it is worth checking your employment contract to see if you are entitled to receive additional payments while you are off sick.
How to Claim SSP
To claim SSP, you must notify your employer of your illness and provide them with the necessary documentation. This includes a self-certification form if you have been off work for less than seven days, or a doctor’s note if your illness is expected to last longer.
Your employer will then assess your eligibility for SSP based on the information provided and the criteria outlined above. If you are entitled to SSP, it will be paid to you in the same way as your regular wages, either weekly or monthly, depending on your pay schedule.
If your employer disputes your eligibility for SSP or refuses to pay, you can seek advice from an employment law specialist or contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Statutory Payments Dispute Team for assistance.
SSP and COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules surrounding SSP have been modified to support employees who are unable to work due to coronavirus-related issues. If you are self-isolating because you have symptoms of COVID-19, you have tested positive for the virus, or you are required to shield, you may be entitled to SSP from the first day of your absence.
Additionally, if you are unable to work because your workplace has been closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may also be eligible for SSP. These temporary measures are in place to provide financial support to employees during this difficult time and help prevent the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is a crucial benefit that provides financial support to employees when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. By understanding the eligibility criteria, how much you can receive, and how to claim SSP, you can ensure that you receive the support you need when you are off sick. If you have any questions or concerns about SSP, it is advisable to seek advice from your employer or a legal professional.