Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness It is a legal requirement in the UK, and it is important to understand when SSP starts for employees who need to take time off due to sickness.
SSP begins on the fourth consecutive day that an employee is unable to work due to illness This is known as the waiting period The first three days of sickness are called ‘waiting days’, and employees are not entitled to SSP during this time SSP will start on the fourth day and continue for up to 28 weeks, as long as the employee remains unable to work due to illness.
It is important to note that SSP does not apply for the first seven calendar days of sickness for employees who are self-isolating due to COVID-19 In this case, employees should receive Statutory Sick Pay from the first day of sickness.
To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week, before tax and National Insurance deductions They must also provide their employer with proof of illness, such as a doctor’s note, if they are off work for more than seven days.
Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees, and they can reclaim some or all of the SSP paid from the government if they meet certain criteria This is done through the government’s Statutory Payments Online service.
If an employee is not eligible for SSP, they may be able to claim other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, depending on their circumstances.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand when SSP starts and how it is paid, to ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness.
SSP is an important benefit that provides financial assistance to employees who are unable to work due to illness when does statutory sick pay start. Employers must be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to paying SSP, and employees should know when they are entitled to receive SSP.
Employers should have a clear policy in place regarding SSP, including how it is paid, how long it lasts, and what proof of illness is required This will help to ensure that employees understand their entitlement to SSP and that they receive the support they need when they are off work due to sickness.
Employees should also be aware of their rights when it comes to SSP, including how much they are entitled to, how long it lasts, and what evidence is required Keeping a record of any sickness absence and providing proof of illness promptly can help to ensure that SSP is paid correctly and on time.
In conclusion, knowing when statutory sick pay starts is essential for both employers and employees SSP begins on the fourth consecutive day of sickness for eligible employees and continues for up to 28 weeks Employers are responsible for paying SSP and can reclaim some or all of the costs from the government Employees should be aware of their entitlement to SSP and provide proof of illness if required By understanding when SSP starts and how it is paid, both employers and employees can ensure that the necessary support is provided when employees are unable to work due to illness.