Sick Pay
Sick pay is the income employees receive when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
benefits
Category
intermediate
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Sick pay is the income employees receive when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Detailed explanation
Sick pay ensures employees continue to receive income when they are too ill to work. There are two main types: statutory sick pay (SSP) and occupational or company sick pay.
Statutory Sick Pay is the legal minimum employers must pay to eligible employees. Many employers offer enhanced company sick pay schemes that provide higher pay levels and longer coverage periods.
Effective sick pay policies support employee wellbeing and recovery, reduce presenteeism (working while ill), and help maintain a healthy workforce.
Practical guidance
How it works
When an employee is sick, they notify their employer and provide evidence if required (self-certification for up to 7 days, fit note for longer). The employer pays SSP from the 4th qualifying day. Many employers offer enhanced company sick pay instead of or in addition to SSP.
Best practices
Create clear sickness absence policies
Automate sick pay calculations
Track absence patterns for wellbeing support
Consider occupational health referrals
Legal context
Legal basis
Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, SSP Regulations
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
SSP is £116.75 per week (2024-25 rate)
Paid from 4th consecutive day of sickness
Payable for up to 28 weeks
Employee must earn at least £123 per week on average
Official source
Frequently asked questions
When do I qualify for Statutory Sick Pay?
You qualify for SSP if you're an employee, have been ill for 4+ consecutive days (including non-working days), earn at least £123 per week on average, and have notified your employer of your sickness.
What's the difference between SSP and company sick pay?
SSP is the legal minimum employers must pay (£116.75/week). Company or occupational sick pay is enhanced sick pay offered by employers, often providing full or partial salary for a period of sickness.
How long can I receive sick pay?
SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks. Company sick pay terms vary by employer - check your employment contract or staff handbook for details.
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.
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.
Self-Certification
Self-certification is the process by which employees declare their own sickness absence for the first 7 days without needing a doctors note.
Absence Management
Absence management is the comprehensive approach to managing employee time off, including policies, tracking, reducing unplanned absence, and supporting employee wellbeing.