Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a legal requirement in the UK for employers to pay their employees when they are unable to work due to illness. It is meant to provide a financial safety net for employees who are unwell and cannot work, ensuring they have some income during their time off. However, many employees are unsure of when SSP actually starts and how it is calculated. In this article, we will delve into the question of “when does statutory sick pay start” and provide some clarity on this important issue.
First and foremost, it is important to note that SSP does not kick in immediately when an employee falls ill. In fact, there is a waiting period before an employee becomes eligible for SSP. This waiting period is known as the qualifying period and it is usually four consecutive days of sickness. This means that employees must be off work due to illness for at least four days before they can start receiving SSP.
Once the qualifying period has been met, SSP will start on the fifth day of sickness absence. This is known as the SSP start date. The SSP start date is important because it determines when an employee will start receiving SSP and how much they will receive. It is crucial for both employees and employers to be aware of the SSP start date to ensure that the correct amount of SSP is paid out.
In terms of the amount of SSP that is paid out, it is currently set at £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks. This amount is payable for all days that an employee would normally work, including weekends and bank holidays. However, it is important to note that employers have the discretion to pay more than the statutory minimum if they have a sick pay scheme in place.
It is also worth mentioning that SSP is only paid for a maximum of 28 weeks in a three-year period. This means that once an employee has received 28 weeks of SSP in a three-year period, they will no longer be eligible for SSP until the three-year period resets.
In order to qualify for SSP, employees must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes:
– Being classified as an employee and earning at least £120 per week
– Being off work due to illness for at least four consecutive days
– Providing their employer with the required proof of sickness, such as a doctor’s note
– Not being on maternity leave or self-isolating due to COVID-19
If an employee meets all of these criteria, they are entitled to receive SSP from their employer. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that employees are paid the correct amount of SSP and that it is paid on time.
In conclusion, when does statutory sick pay start? SSP starts on the fifth day of sickness absence, after the qualifying period of four consecutive days of illness. It is paid at a rate of £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks and is subject to certain eligibility criteria. Both employees and employers should be aware of the SSP start date to ensure that the correct amount of SSP is paid out. SSP is an important benefit that provides financial support to employees when they are unwell and unable to work, and it is crucial that both employees and employers understand how it works.