statutory sick pay, commonly referred to as SSP, is a type of payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a legal requirement for most employers in the UK to provide SSP to employees who are off work sick for four or more days in a row. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about statutory sick pay.
Who is eligible for statutory sick pay?
In order to be eligible for statutory sick pay, employees must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, they must be classified as an employee and have done some work for their employer. They must also have been off work due to illness or injury for at least four consecutive days, which includes weekends and bank holidays.
Employees are entitled to SSP regardless of how long they have been working for their employer, as long as they meet the qualifying criteria. However, they must earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for SSP.
How much is Statutory Sick Pay?
The current rate of Statutory Sick Pay is £96.35 per week, and it is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. If an employee is off work sick for more than 28 weeks, they may be eligible to apply for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Statutory Sick Pay is paid in the same way as wages, usually on the employee’s usual pay day. It is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions, just like regular income.
How to claim Statutory Sick Pay?
In order to claim Statutory Sick Pay, employees must inform their employer of their illness or injury as soon as possible. They may be required to provide a doctor’s note or other evidence of their sickness, depending on their employer’s policy. Employers can set their own rules regarding how and when SSP should be claimed, so it is important for employees to familiarize themselves with their employer’s sick pay policy.
If employees are unable to work due to illness or injury and are not eligible for SSP, they may be able to claim other benefits such as Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These benefits are provided by the government and are intended to support individuals who are unable to work due to ill health or disability.
Statutory Sick Pay for self-employed individuals
Self-employed individuals are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, as they do not have an employer to claim it from. However, they may be able to claim other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
If self-employed individuals are unable to work due to illness or injury, they should contact their local Jobcentre Plus office for advice on what benefits they may be eligible for. It is important for self-employed individuals to have a backup plan in case they are unable to work, such as savings or insurance policies.
In conclusion, Statutory Sick Pay is a legal requirement for most employers in the UK and is intended to provide financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Employees must meet certain criteria to be eligible for SSP, and it is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. If employees are unable to claim SSP, they may be able to claim other benefits provided by the government. Self-employed individuals are not eligible for SSP but may be able to claim other benefits if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. If you have any questions about Statutory Sick Pay, speak to your employer or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for advice.