Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is designed to provide financial support to employees who are unable to work for a short period of time. However, many employees are confused about when SSP starts and how it is calculated. In this article, we will explore when SSP starts and provide some clarity on this important issue.
when does statutory sick pay start?
Statutory sick pay typically starts on the fourth consecutive day of absence due to illness or injury. This means that if you are unable to work for more than three consecutive days, you may be eligible to receive SSP from your employer. The first three days of sickness are known as ‘waiting days’ and are not eligible for SSP.
It’s important to note that SSP is not payable for any of the first three days of absence unless you have been paid SSP within the last eight weeks for a previous period of sickness. In this case, the waiting days do not apply, and you will be eligible for SSP from the first day of your absence.
To qualify for SSP, you must be classed as an employee and have been off work sick for at least four days in a row (including non-working days). You must also earn at least £120 per week on average to be eligible for SSP.
How is statutory sick pay calculated?
The rate of SSP is set by the government and is subject to change each tax year. As of April 2021, the current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week. This is paid for up to 28 weeks for each period of sickness.
SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, usually on your usual payday. Your employer can choose to pay you more than the statutory amount, but they cannot pay you less.
If you work irregular hours or have more than one job, your average weekly earnings will be calculated differently. Your employer will use a specific formula to work out your average earnings over the eight weeks before the first day of your sickness. This will determine how much SSP you are entitled to receive.
If you are self-employed or do not meet the criteria for SSP, you may be eligible to claim other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance. These benefits can provide financial support if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
What to do if you are sick and need to claim SSP?
If you are too ill to work and need to claim SSP, you should inform your employer as soon as possible. You will need to provide evidence of your illness, such as a doctor’s note or fit note, to support your claim for SSP.
Your employer may have their own policy for reporting sickness absence and claiming SSP, so it’s important to follow their procedures. If you are unsure about what you need to do, speak to your HR department or line manager for guidance.
Once you have provided the necessary evidence, your employer will assess your eligibility for SSP and make the necessary payments. They should keep you informed of the process and the amount of SSP you will receive.
If you have any concerns about your eligibility for SSP or the amount you are entitled to receive, you can seek advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice or ACAS. They can provide guidance on your rights and help you navigate the process of claiming SSP.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is an important benefit that provides financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Understanding when SSP starts and how it is calculated is important for employees who may need to claim SSP in the future. By following the guidelines set out in this article and seeking advice if needed, employees can ensure they receive the support they are entitled to when they are unable to work due to sickness.