In April 2022, the UK government introduced new sick pay rules that aim to better support workers who need to take time off due to illness or injury These changes are designed to provide workers with more financial security when they are unable to work due to ill health It is important for all employers and employees to understand these new rules to ensure compliance and to make sure that workers receive the support they need during times of illness.
Under the new sick pay rules in the UK, eligible employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are too unwell to work SSP is paid by employers and is set at £98.64 per week for up to 28 weeks To qualify for SSP, employees must be earning at least £120 per week and have been off work for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) Employers are required to pay SSP from the fourth day of absence, with the first three days being classed as ‘waiting days’.
One of the key changes introduced by the new sick pay rules is the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) for SSP Previously, employees earning less than the LEL were not eligible for SSP However, under the new rules, all eligible employees earning at least £120 per week are entitled to SSP from the fourth day of absence.
Another important change is the introduction of a new requirement for employers to provide a statement of fitness for work (commonly known as a doctor’s note) if an employee is off work for more than seven days in a row This statement must be obtained from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse, and must confirm that the employee is not fit for work Employers are not required to pay SSP for the first seven days of absence, but they must have a statement of fitness for work from day eight onwards.
It is also worth noting that employees who are self-isolating or shielding due to COVID-19 are eligible for SSP under the new rules new sick pay rules uk. This includes those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting test results, or have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace Employees who are self-isolating due to COVID-19 are entitled to SSP from the first day of absence, rather than the fourth day as in other cases.
Employers should ensure that they have clear policies and procedures in place to deal with absence due to illness or injury This includes ensuring that employees are aware of their entitlement to SSP, how to claim it, and what is required of them in terms of providing evidence of their illness Employers should also be aware of their obligations under the new sick pay rules and make sure that they are compliant in terms of paying SSP and providing the necessary documentation.
For employees, it is important to be aware of their rights and entitlements when it comes to sick pay If an employee believes that they have been unfairly denied SSP or treated unfairly due to their absence from work, they can seek advice and support from organisations such as Acas or the Citizens Advice Bureau Employees should also be proactive in providing their employer with any necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, to ensure that they receive the sick pay that they are entitled to.
In conclusion, the new sick pay rules in the UK aim to provide better support for workers who need to take time off due to illness or injury Employers and employees should be aware of these changes and ensure that they understand their rights and obligations when it comes to sick pay By following the new rules and implementing clear policies and procedures, both employers and employees can ensure that workers receive the support they need during times of ill health.