As an employee, it is important to understand your rights when it comes to taking time off work due to illness. One of the benefits that you may be entitled to is statutory sick pay (SSP). In this article, we will explore what SSP is, who is eligible for it, and how it is calculated.
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 most employees are entitled to receive SSP if they meet certain criteria. This payment is designed to provide financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
To be eligible for SSP, you must be an employee, have been off work due to illness for at least four consecutive days (including non-working days), and have earned an average of at least £120 per week. You also need to notify your employer of your illness and provide them with a doctor’s note (Fit Note) if you are off work for more than seven days.
SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. The current rate of SSP is £95.85 per week, and it is paid for the days that you would normally be scheduled to work. If you are part-time, your SSP payment will be adjusted accordingly based on your working hours.
Employers are responsible for paying SSP to their employees, and they can claim back some or all of the SSP payments from the government if they meet certain conditions. This is known as the Percentage Threshold Scheme, and it allows employers to reclaim some of the SSP costs if they exceed a certain percentage of their total National Insurance contributions.
SSP is an important benefit for employees who are unable to work due to illness, as it provides them with financial support during a difficult time. However, it is crucial to understand that SSP is a minimum legal requirement, and some employers may offer more generous sick pay policies. It is always a good idea to check your employment contract or speak to your HR department to find out what sick pay benefits you are entitled to.
Calculating SSP can be a bit confusing, especially if you have irregular working hours or are part-time. To calculate your SSP entitlement, you need to work out your average earnings over an eight-week period before your sickness began. This includes any bonuses, overtime, and commission that you may have earned during that period.
Once you have calculated your average weekly earnings, you can then work out how much SSP you are entitled to. If your average earnings are over £120 per week, you will be entitled to £95.85 per week in SSP. If your earnings are below £120 per week, you may not be eligible for SSP, but you may be entitled to other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
It is essential to keep your employer informed of your illness and provide them with any necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note or Fit Note. Failure to do so may result in a delay in receiving your SSP payments. If you are unhappy with the way your employer is handling your SSP claim, you can seek advice from the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) or speak to a legal advisor.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is a vital benefit for employees who are unable to work due to illness. It provides financial support during a difficult time and ensures that employees do not suffer financially if they are off work due to sickness. Understanding your rights and entitlement to SSP is important, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and how SSP is calculated. Remember that SSP is a minimum legal requirement, and some employers may offer more generous sick pay policies, so always check your employment contract or speak to HR for more information.