statutory sick pay, or SSP, is a form of financial support provided to employees who are unable to work due to illness. It is a legal requirement in the UK for employers to pay SSP to their eligible employees. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about SSP, including who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to claim it.
To be eligible for SSP, you must be an employee and have been off work due to illness for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days. You must also earn at least £120 per week before tax. SSP is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks, and it is paid in the same way as your normal wages, either weekly or monthly.
The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, and it is paid for up to 28 weeks. However, some employers may offer more generous sick pay schemes, so you should check your employment contract or speak to your HR department to find out what you are entitled to.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for SSP, you should speak to your employer or contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for more information. You may also be entitled to other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit if you are unable to work due to illness.
To claim SSP, you should inform your employer as soon as possible that you are unable to work due to illness. You may need to provide a doctor’s note, also known as a sick note or fit note, to confirm your absence from work. Your employer may have their own process for claiming SSP, so it is important to follow their instructions.
If you are self-employed or on a zero-hours contract, you may not be eligible for SSP. In this case, you may be able to claim other benefits such as Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you are unable to work due to illness. It is important to seek advice from a benefits advisor to find out what support you are entitled to.
If you receive SSP and your employer dismisses you while you are off sick, you may still be entitled to SSP for the remainder of your absence. Your employer cannot dismiss you for being off sick, and if they do, you may have grounds for unfair dismissal. You should seek advice from an employment solicitor if you believe you have been unfairly dismissed.
If you are on maternity leave or sick pay during your notice period, you are still entitled to SSP. Your employer must continue to pay you SSP even if you are no longer actively working for them. If you have any concerns about your entitlement to SSP, you should seek advice from a legal advisor.
It is important to note that SSP is not taxable, but it is subject to National Insurance contributions. If you are receiving SSP, you will not be eligible for sick pay from your employer, as SSP is designed to replace your income while you are off work due to illness.
In conclusion, SSP is a vital form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness. It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to eligible employees, and it is paid at a rate of £96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks. If you are unsure about your entitlement to SSP, you should speak to your employer or contact HMRC for more information.