[Editor’s Note -This is a new section which will be expanded with additional topics].

Updated 15/02/2024 – payment rates from 10/04/2024

Rates for the current and previous year are given (The rates for the previous year are shown in brackets)

Self-Certificates for Sickness Absence

Normally an employee is required to provide a self-certificate to cover the first 7 calendar days* of a period of sick absence. From the eighth consecutive day of absence, a medical certificate should be provided. That has been the requirement for many years.

A fit note may also be signed and issued by a nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist but the issuing person must be familiar with the individual’s medical history.

For on-going medical conditions, a doctor may issue the first certificate to cover a period of up to 3 months. A second certificate can be issued for a longer period as determined appropriate by the medical practitioner.

Statutory Sick Pay known as SSP ~/

Employers often have different pay and conditions to qualify for payment of sickness absence which you should find in your terms of appointment. Some employers will just pay the minimum statutory sick pay amount and entitlement set by the Government which is reviewed usually from April each year.

New rate from 10/04/24 = £116.75 (£109.40) – maximum entitlement of 28 weeks whether consecutive weeks or linked periods of sick absence. SSP is only payable after the third day of sickness. An exception is if you been paid SSP within the last 8 weeks and had a 3-day waiting period before you were paid your SSP.

If you are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay you will not be eligible for SSP.

Note that the Lower Earnings Limit remains at £123 per week.

TIP – some employers may have more beneficial terms for sickness and/or have different requirements for notification of sickness. Check your written particulars or employment for details.