What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid by employers to eligible employees who have been absent from work through illness for a minimum of 4 consecutive days, including nonworking days. There is no entitlement for 3 days or less, unless you've received SSP during the previous 8 weeks and remain eligible. It is paid as per normal wages and has the usual Tax and National Insurance deductions applied.
How much is SSP?
The weekly rate for SSP is £87.55 and it is paid for a maximum of 28 weeks. It is possible for an employee to receive more than this if in a 'company sick pay scheme' or 'occupational scheme'. However, it is illegal to receive less than this in a week. (It is pro-rated, so if an employee is not absent for a full week, they will not receive a full week SSP, because they will receive normal pay). An employee may receive multiple payments, if they have more than one employer.
If an employee believes that they are not receiving the correct SSP and their employer believes that it is correct, they can contact Her Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on:
HMRC employees' enquiry line
| Telephone: | 0300 200 3500 |
| Textphone: | 0300 200 3519 |
| Business hours | Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm |
Statutory Sick Pay Eligibility
In order to qualify for SSP, an employee must:
- Have done some work for the employer.
- Have been ill for at least 4 consecutive days.
- Earn a minimum of £111 per week, before tax.
- Advise the employer of sickness before their deadline (or within 7 days if they don't have one).
- May qualify if a new starter, who hasn't yet received 8 weeks wages.
- Agency workers are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
Statutory Sick Pay Exceptions
An employee won't qualify if:
- They have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks).
- Have taken 3 years or more 'linked periods' of sickness - where 4 or more days of sickness happen within 8 weeks of each other.
- Is receiving Statutory Maternity Pay.
If ineligible or SSP ends, an employee may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Bradford Factor Resources
- An introduction to the Bradford Formula
- Absence Management Strategy and the Bradford Factor
- Absence Management Strategy and the Bradford Factor
- Guide to Doctors Notes for Absent Staff
- Absence Management Forms and Supporting Documents
- An introduction to Analysing Staff Information
Additional Bradford Factor Resources
For further information on The Bradford Factor (Use, Implementation and Record Keeping), please review our Bradford Factor guides and management strategy information.