Sick Leave
Sick leave is time off work taken by an employee due to illness or injury, which may be paid or unpaid depending on employment terms and statutory requirements.
leave-types
Category
beginner
Difficulty
6 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Sick leave is time off work taken by an employee due to illness or injury, which may be paid or unpaid depending on employment terms and statutory requirements.
Detailed explanation
Sick leave allows employees to take time off work when they are unwell or injured and unable to perform their duties. The right to sick leave and the associated pay varies significantly between countries and employers.
In the UK, employees may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) after being off sick for 4 or more consecutive days. Many employers offer enhanced sick pay schemes that provide full or partial pay during sickness absence.
Managing sick leave effectively is crucial for employers to maintain productivity while supporting employee wellbeing. This includes having clear policies, return-to-work procedures, and systems to monitor absence patterns.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employees notify their employer of sickness according to company policy. For absences up to 7 days, they self-certify. Beyond 7 days, a fit note from a doctor is required. SSP is paid from day 4 if eligible.
Best practices
Have clear sickness reporting procedures
Conduct return-to-work interviews
Track absence patterns using Bradford Factor
Offer occupational health support when needed
Consider flexible return-to-work arrangements
Legal context
Legal basis
Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (UK)
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
SSP paid for up to 28 weeks
Current rate: £116.75 per week (2024-25)
Employee must earn at least £123 per week
Self-certification for first 7 days, fit note required after
Official source
Frequently asked questions
How long can I be off sick before I need a doctor's note?
In the UK, you can self-certify for the first 7 calendar days of sickness. After that, you need a fit note (previously called a sick note) from your doctor.
Do I get paid while off sick?
You may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you meet the eligibility criteria. Many employers also offer company sick pay schemes that may pay more than SSP.
Related glossary terms
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum sick pay UK employers must pay eligible employees who are off work due to illness, currently £116.75 per week for up to 28 weeks.
Bradford Factor
The Bradford Factor is a formula used to measure the impact of employee absence, giving higher weight to frequent short-term absences than longer continuous absences.
Fit Note
A fit note is a UK doctors statement about whether an employee is not fit for work, or may be fit for work with adjustments, required after 7 days of sickness absence.
Return to Work
Return to work refers to processes for bringing employees back after absence, including RTW interviews to discuss absence, support needs, and any adjustments required.