When Does Statutory Sick Pay Start

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by an employer 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 who are unable to work due to sickness But when exactly does statutory sick pay start?

In order to be eligible for SSP, an employee must be off work for at least four consecutive calendar days, including weekends and bank holidays This is known as the qualifying period The first three days of sickness are known as ‘waiting days’ and are not eligible for SSP This means that statutory sick pay will start on the fourth day of absence from work.

It’s important to note that employees do not need to take the first three days off work to qualify for statutory sick pay If an employee is off work for more than four consecutive days due to sickness, SSP will be paid from the fourth day of absence.

Employers are required to pay SSP to their employees for up to 28 weeks, as long as the employee continues to meet the eligibility criteria If an employee is off work for more than 28 weeks, they may be eligible for other forms of financial support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Employees can claim SSP by informing their employer of their illness and providing a doctor’s fit note if they are off work for more than seven days The fit note will confirm the employee’s incapacity for work and the expected duration of their sickness absence.

If an employee is self-isolating due to COVID-19, they may be eligible for SSP from the first day of absence This is known as ‘day one’ entitlement and is a temporary measure introduced by the government to support employees during the pandemic.

Employers can claim back the cost of SSP paid to their employees through the government’s Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme when does statutory sick pay start. This scheme allows employers to reclaim up to two weeks of SSP per eligible employee.

It’s important for employers to keep accurate records of sickness absences and SSP payments to ensure that they can claim back the correct amount through the rebate scheme Failure to keep proper records could result in delays or errors in the reimbursement process.

In summary, statutory sick pay starts on the fourth day of absence from work, after the employee has been off for at least four consecutive calendar days The first three days of sickness are not eligible for SSP Employees can claim SSP by informing their employer of their illness and providing a fit note if necessary Employers can claim back the cost of SSP through the government’s rebate scheme.

In conclusion, statutory sick pay is an important form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury By understanding when SSP starts and how it can be claimed, employers can ensure that their employees receive the support they need during periods of sickness absence It is also essential for employers to keep accurate records of sickness absences and SSP payments in order to claim back the correct amount through the government’s rebate scheme By following these guidelines, employers can effectively manage SSP payments and support their employees during times of illness