Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a government-mandated program in the United Kingdom that provides financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Many employees may wonder when SSP actually begins and how it is calculated In this article, we will explore the details of when SSP starts and provide important information regarding this valuable benefit.
So, when exactly does statutory sick pay start for employees? The general rule is that employees are eligible to receive SSP if they are off sick for at least four days in a row, including non-working days This period is known as a “period of incapacity for work” or a “qualifying period.” Once an employee meets this criteria, SSP will start from the fourth day of their absence It is important to note that the first three days are known as “waiting days” and are not eligible for SSP.
Additionally, employees must earn a minimum level of income to qualify for SSP As of 2021, employees must earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for SSP This income threshold is based on the employee’s average earnings over the previous eight weeks If an employee earns below this threshold, they may not be entitled to SSP and should speak with their employer about other options for financial support during their absence.
Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees for a maximum of 28 weeks This means that if an employee is off sick for more than 28 weeks, they will no longer receive SSP from their employer However, there are other forms of financial support available for individuals who are unable to work due to long-term illness or disability, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
It is also important to understand how SSP is calculated for eligible employees The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week as of 2021 when does statutory sick pay start. This amount is paid by the employer and is taxable, meaning that it is subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions To calculate the daily rate of SSP, divide the weekly rate by the number of days the employee normally works in a week For example, if an employee normally works five days a week, the daily rate of SSP would be £96.35 divided by 5, which equals £19.27 per day.
Employers have specific obligations when it comes to administering SSP for their employees They must keep accurate records of employee absences, including the dates and reasons for sickness, as well as proof of incapacity for work if requested Employers must also provide employees with a written statement outlining their entitlement to SSP, how much they will receive, and when it will be paid Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties and fines for the employer.
Employees who are unsure about their entitlement to SSP or have questions about their eligibility should speak with their employer or contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for more information It is important for employees to understand their rights and options when it comes to statutory sick pay to ensure that they receive the financial support they are entitled to during periods of illness or injury.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay starts for employees who are off sick for at least four days in a row, including non-working days SSP begins from the fourth day of absence and is payable for a maximum of 28 weeks Employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees at the current rate of £96.35 per week Understanding when SSP starts and how it is calculated is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with the law and receive the financial support they need during times of illness or injury.