What is Statutory Sick Pay?

UK-mandated minimum sick pay (£116.75/week as of 2024-25) payable by the employer to qualifying employees who are unable to work due to illness for at least 4 consecutive days.

How long can SSP be paid?

Up to 28 weeks per period of sickness. After 28 weeks, employees may transition to other support (Employment and Support Allowance).

Is SSP paid from day one?

No. The first 3 consecutive days of sickness are "waiting days" and are unpaid for SSP purposes. SSP becomes payable from day 4 onwards.

Can my company offer more than SSP?

Yes — "company sick pay" or "occupational sick pay" schemes are common. They typically pay full salary for a defined period (4 weeks to 6 months) before reverting to SSP. The terms should be in the employment contract or handbook.

HR GLOSSARY · Leave & time

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

Also known as: SSP, UK sick pay, Statutory sick pay UK

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the UK's legally mandated minimum sick pay — £116.75 per week as of 2024-25, payable by the employer to qualifying employees absent from work due to illness for at least 4 consecutive days. SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks for any one period of sickness. Many employers offer "company sick pay" on top of SSP as a competitive benefit.

SSP is the floor — the minimum legal sick pay UK employers must provide. Above it, contractual or "company" sick pay schemes typically pay full salary for an initial period (e.g., 4-6 weeks) then taper. SSP applies broadly to employees including part-time and zero-hours staff, subject to an earnings threshold. The first 3 "waiting days" of any sickness period are not paid (changed periodically by Parliament); SSP becomes payable from day 4. Self-employed workers are not eligible for SSP.

Who qualifies for SSP

Be classed as an employee (not self-employed)
Be ill for at least 4 consecutive days (including non-working days)
Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week as of 2024-25)
Provide notice and any required medical evidence
Be sick during a "period of incapacity for work" (PIW)

Key mechanics

First 3 waiting days unpaid; SSP from day 4
Up to 28 weeks per period of sickness
Two PIWs within 8 weeks count as a single PIW (no new waiting days)
Self-certification for first 7 days; doctor's "fit note" required from day 8
Employer can't recover SSP from HMRC (since 2014, except under the rebated Coronavirus scheme)

Company sick pay on top of SSP

Most UK employers offer enhanced sick pay — typically full pay for a defined period (4 weeks to 6 months depending on length of service) before reverting to SSP-only. Enhanced schemes are contractual; the terms should be in the employment contract or handbook. Some industries (public sector, finance, professional services) pay full salary for 6 months. Others stick to SSP-only — common in retail, hospitality, and tightly margined sectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is Statutory Sick Pay?: UK-mandated minimum sick pay (£116.75/week as of 2024-25) payable by the employer to qualifying employees who are unable to work due to illness for at least 4 consecutive days.
How long can SSP be paid?: Up to 28 weeks per period of sickness. After 28 weeks, employees may transition to other support (Employment and Support Allowance).
Is SSP paid from day one?: No. The first 3 consecutive days of sickness are "waiting days" and are unpaid for SSP purposes. SSP becomes payable from day 4 onwards.
Can my company offer more than SSP?: Yes — "company sick pay" or "occupational sick pay" schemes are common. They typically pay full salary for a defined period (4 weeks to 6 months) before reverting to SSP. The terms should be in the employment contract or handbook.