Sick Pay
Sick pay is payment made to employees who are unable to work due to illness, with statutory minimum rates set by law and many employers offering enhanced schemes.
Sick pay provides income when you can't work due to illness or injury. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum, currently £116.75 per week (2024/25) for up to 28 weeks. SSP doesn't start until the fourth day of illness.
Many employers offer enhanced sick pay schemes that pay full salary for a period, then reduce over time. A common structure is full pay for 3-6 months, then half pay for a further period. Enhanced sick pay is a valuable benefit that provides security if you face serious illness.
To receive sick pay, you typically need to follow your employer's notification procedures—informing them by a certain time on the first day of absence. For longer absences, you may need a fit note (formerly sick note) from a doctor.
Key Points
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the legal minimum
- Many employers offer enhanced sick pay above SSP
- Usually requires following absence notification procedures
- Fit notes required from doctors for absences over 7 days
- Enhanced schemes are a valuable employee benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be dismissed for being sick?
Employers can dismiss for long-term sickness, but must follow fair procedures including considering adjustments and alternatives. Disability-related illness has additional legal protections.
Do I use holiday when I'm sick?
No. If you're sick during booked holiday, you can request to take that leave another time. Statutory sick pay and holiday entitlement are separate. However, some employers' enhanced sick pay rules differ.