Sick Pay — Statutory Rights and What Your Employer Owes You
If you're off work because of illness, you have a right to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — provided you meet the qualifying conditions. Many employees are also entitled to more under their employment contract. This guide explains SSP eligibility, rates, how long it lasts, what happens when it ends, and your rights around long-term sickness.
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Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay?
You're entitled to SSP if:
- ✓You're classed as an employee (not a self-employed contractor)
- ✓You've been off sick for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days)
- ✓You earn at least £123 per week (the lower earnings limit, 2024/25)
- ✓You've told your employer you're ill within their reporting deadline (or within 7 days if no policy exists)
How much is SSP and how long does it last?
SSP is £116.75 per week (2024/25). It is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks of absence in any one period of incapacity for work.
SSP is paid from the 4th day of absence. The first 3 days (called "waiting days") are not paid under SSP — though your contract may provide pay from day one.
Fit notes (sick notes) and your obligations
For the first 7 days of illness, you can self-certify. After 7 days, your employer can ask for a fit note from a GP or other healthcare professional.
- ✓Fit notes are issued by GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and pharmacists
- ✓A fit note can say you're 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work with adjustments'
- ✓If your GP suggests adjustments (e.g. reduced hours, amended duties), your employer should consider them — but doesn't have to agree
- ✓Your employer cannot require a fit note for an absence of 7 days or less
- ✓You cannot be disciplined solely for being genuinely ill
Long-term sickness — your rights
Long-term sickness raises important issues around disability discrimination and fair procedure. If you've been off work for an extended period:
- ✓Your employer must follow a fair process before dismissing you — this includes obtaining medical evidence, considering adjustments, and giving you a fair hearing
- ✓If your condition meets the definition of disability under the Equality Act, your employer must consider reasonable adjustments before dismissing
- ✓Your employer can request an occupational health assessment — you should cooperate but you can request the report before it's sent
- ✓Dismissal for long-term sickness can be unfair if the employer didn't follow a proper process or didn't consider alternatives
- ✓After 28 weeks of SSP, you should apply for Universal Credit or new-style ESA
When SSP ends — what next?
Get advice about your specific situation
Ash is a free UK guidance assistant. Ask about your rights, get step-by-step guidance, and generate a formal letter if you need one.
Talk to Ash — it's freeNo sign-up · No account · Works for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland