statutory sick pay (SSP) is a form of payment provided 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 for a period of up to 28 weeks. In this article, we will explore what statutory sick pay is, who is eligible for it, how it is calculated, and what employees need to do to claim it.
What is statutory sick pay (SSP)?
statutory sick pay is a form of financial support provided by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a flat rate payment that is paid for up to 28 weeks, and it is intended to help employees financially during a period of sickness absence. SSP is mandated by the government, and all employers are required to pay it to eligible employees.
Who is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay?
To be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, employees must meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must be classified as an employee and have done some work for their employer. Secondly, they must have been off work due to illness or injury for at least 4 days in a row, including non-working days. Thirdly, they must earn at least £120 per week on average.
Employees who do not meet these criteria may still be eligible for sick pay from their employer, but it will not be classified as Statutory Sick Pay. Instead, it will be paid as part of the employer’s sickness absence policy.
How is Statutory Sick Pay calculated?
Statutory Sick Pay is paid at a flat rate of £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks. This amount is subject to change each year, so employees should check the current rate with their employer or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
SSP is paid by the employer in the same way as wages, at the employee’s normal payday. It is subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, just like regular wages. Employers are responsible for calculating and paying SSP to eligible employees, and they can reclaim some or all of the cost from the government if they meet certain conditions.
What do employees need to do to claim Statutory Sick Pay?
If an employee is off work due to illness or injury and believes they are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, they should inform their employer as soon as possible. They may be required to provide a self-certification form to confirm the reason for their absence and the expected duration of their illness.
If the absence continues for more than 7 days, the employee will need to provide a fit note from their doctor. This will confirm that they are unable to work due to illness or injury and provide an expected return to work date if possible. The fit note should be provided to the employer as soon as it is available.
Employees should keep their employer informed of any changes to their condition or expected return to work date. If their absence extends beyond 28 weeks, they may need to apply for other forms of financial support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
In conclusion, Statutory Sick Pay is a vital form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to eligible employees, and all employees should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to claiming sick pay. By understanding what SSP is, who is eligible for it, how it is calculated, and what employees need to do to claim it, employees can ensure they receive the support they need during a period of sickness absence.