Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a government-initiated scheme designed to provide financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is an important safety net that ensures employees are not left financially vulnerable when facing health-related issues However, many people are unsure about when exactly SSP starts and how it is calculated In this article, we will explore the key aspects of SSP and provide clarity on when it starts.
SSP eligibility criteria
To be eligible for SSP, an employee must meet the following criteria:
– Be classified as an employee and have performed work under an employment contract.
– Have been ill for at least four consecutive days (including non-working days).
– Earn an average of at least £120 per week.
– Notify their employer of their sickness absence within the company’s deadlines.
If an employee meets these requirements, they are entitled to receive SSP It is worth noting that some companies offer enhanced sick pay schemes that may provide more generous benefits than SSP Employees should be aware of their company’s sick pay policy to understand what they are entitled to.
When does SSP start?
SSP starts from the fourth qualifying day of absence due to illness or injury This means that employees are not entitled to SSP for the first three days of their sickness absence, including weekends and bank holidays The fourth day is known as the ‘qualifying day,’ and SSP starts from this point onwards.
It is important to note that SSP does not have to be paid for the waiting days if the employee’s sickness absence lasts for less than four days However, if the sickness absence continues beyond four days, SSP should be paid from the fourth day onwards.
Employers have the discretion to pay employees during the waiting period if they have a sick pay policy that provides for this Some companies choose to offer full pay or half pay for the waiting days to support their employees during the early stages of their sickness absence.
How is SSP calculated?
SSP is paid by employers for a maximum of 28 weeks The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week for 2022/23 This rate is subject to annual adjustments by the government when does statutory sick pay start. Employers are responsible for calculating and paying SSP to eligible employees.
To calculate SSP, employers should use the employee’s average weekly earnings This is usually based on the employee’s earnings over the previous eight weeks before the start of their sickness absence If an employee has been employed for less than eight weeks, the average weekly earnings should be calculated using the total earnings during the period of employment.
Employers can use the government’s SSP calculator to determine the correct amount of SSP to pay to their employees This tool helps take the guesswork out of calculating SSP and ensures that employees receive the correct entitlement.
Can employees get SSP while on furlough?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were placed on the government’s furlough scheme to protect jobs and support businesses facing financial challenges If an employee on furlough falls ill, they are still entitled to SSP if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Employers can claim back SSP payments made to their furloughed employees from the government under the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme This scheme helps employers recover the cost of paying SSP to their employees while on furlough, easing the financial burden on businesses.
In conclusion, Statutory Sick Pay is an essential support mechanism for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury By understanding when SSP starts and how it is calculated, employees can navigate the system more effectively and ensure they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to Employers play a crucial role in administering SSP and providing the necessary support to their employees during times of sickness absence By following the guidelines outlined in this article, both employees and employers can navigate the complexities of SSP with clarity and confidence