UK HR Term
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount UK employers must pay eligible employees who are off work sick. It is paid for up to 28 weeks of qualifying absence and is set by the government each April.
In plain English
Statutory Sick Pay is the legal minimum employers must pay eligible employees who are off work sick. It is set at a flat weekly rate by the government and reviewed each April. Always check the current rate at gov.uk before processing.
Eligibility
To qualify, the employee must:
- Have an employment contract (workers may also qualify)
- Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 a week for 2024–25)
- Have been off sick for at least four days in a row, including non-working days
- Notify the employer within the deadline (usually 7 days, or sooner if specified)
How it's paid
SSP is paid through normal payroll, with PAYE and National Insurance deducted as for normal pay. It runs for up to 28 weeks of qualifying absence. After 28 weeks, the employee may be able to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
Waiting days
The first three consecutive days of sickness are "waiting days" — unpaid for SSP. SSP starts on day four. Many employers pay through the waiting days under enhanced company sick pay.
Linking rule
Periods of sickness within eight weeks of each other are linked together for the 28-week count and for the waiting-day rule. So if an employee has a recurring condition, they don't reset the waiting days each time.
When SSP isn't payable
- The first three days of any spell (waiting days)
- Once 28 weeks have been paid in a single linked period
- If the employee is receiving Statutory Maternity Pay or other statutory family payments
- After the employment contract ends