What is statutory sick pay and who gets it?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is an earnings replacement for employees who are off work through illness. Employers must pay this to their employees who satisfy all the qualifying conditions. You do not have to pay SSP if you pay wages or occupational (contractual) sick pay to your employee for the same days that they would be entitled to SSP, if it is more than, or the same as, the rate of SSP. As the employer, you must first decide if SSP is payable. Part-time, temporary and casual employees may all be entitled to SSP if they satisfy the qualifying conditions. The majority of employees who are unfit for work through sickness may be entitled to SSP, but they must satisfy all of the following conditions: • have notified you of their sickness within your own time limits or, if you haven’t informed them in advance of any time limits, no later than seven days after the first day of sickness • be employed by you and have done some work for you under their contract • be aged 16 or over and under
