Statutory Sick Pay, often referred to as 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 is designed to provide financial support to employees during periods of sickness. However, many employees are unsure of when SSP actually starts and how they can qualify for it. In this article, we will explore the question “when does statutory sick pay start” and provide some guidance on the eligibility criteria.
SSP starts on the fourth day of absence from work due to sickness. This means that if you are ill and unable to work for less than four days, you will not be entitled to SSP. The first three days of sickness are known as “waiting days,” during which your employer is not required to pay you SSP. However, some employers may have their own sick pay policies in place that provide for payment during the waiting days. It is important to check your employment contract or company handbook to see if you are entitled to sick pay during this period.
To qualify for SSP, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. You must be an employee, earning at least £120 per week, and have been off work due to sickness for at least four consecutive days. You must also notify your employer of your sickness within the time frame set out in your employment contract, usually within the first seven days of absence. If you meet these criteria, your employer is required to pay you SSP for up to 28 weeks, provided you remain off work due to sickness.
It is important to note that SSP is a flat rate payment set by the government, currently at £96.35 per week. This amount is subject to change each year, so it is advisable to check the latest rates on the government’s website. Some employers may offer more generous sick pay schemes that provide for higher payments during periods of sickness. Again, it is important to check your employment contract or company handbook to see if you are entitled to additional sick pay from your employer.
If you are self-employed or a contractor, you will not be entitled to SSP as it is only available to employees. However, you may be able to claim other forms of financial support such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance if you are unable to work due to sickness. It is important to check with your local Jobcentre Plus office or Citizens Advice Bureau for more information on the support available to self-employed individuals.
In some cases, you may be able to claim SSP from more than one employer if you have more than one job. Each employer will pay you SSP separately based on their own sick pay policies and procedures. It is important to notify each employer of your sickness and provide them with the necessary information to process your SSP claim. Failure to do so may result in delays in receiving your sick pay.
If you are unhappy with a decision made by your employer regarding your SSP claim, you have the right to appeal. You can raise a formal grievance with your employer and if this does not resolve the issue, you can take the matter to an employment tribunal. It is important to seek legal advice if you are considering taking legal action against your employer regarding your SSP claim.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth day of absence from work due to sickness and is paid at a flat rate set by the government. To qualify for SSP, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and notify your employer of your sickness within the specified time frame. If you are self-employed, you will not be entitled to SSP but may be eligible for other forms of financial support. If you have more than one job, you may be able to claim SSP from each employer separately. If you are unhappy with a decision regarding your SSP claim, you have the right to appeal.