LEGAL


‘The current rate of SSP (February 2018) is £89.35 per week and can be paid for up to a maximum of 28 weeks for the days employees usually work’


staff members can self-certify and employers may ask employees to complete a self-certification form upon their return to work.


When is an employee entitled to sick pay? Those who are employed, earning at least £113 a week and have been off work for four consecutive days, are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP). The current rate of SSP (February 2018) is £89.35 per week and can be paid for up to a maximum of 28 weeks for the days employees usually work. SSP is payable after three “waiting days” of absence. It is up to employers – and


should be set out in contracts – whether they pay more than SSP and if they do, on what basis. For example, payment of full or half pay during sick leave might depend on whether an employee has


passed their probationary period.


Should I be contacting employees during sick leave? There is no rule that says an employer cannot contact an employee during a period of sick leave. Many employers genuinely care about the welfare of their staff and like to stay in touch on that basis. You may also want to be kept up-to-date on the likely period of absence so you can plan workflow and cover accordingly. However, contact should be


handled sensitively, particularly where someone is suffering from mental health problems or work- related stress and might find regular contact from their employer distressing. Where possible, it is a good idea


to seek to agree on a level of contact during sick leave that is acceptable to both parties.


business network December 2018/January 2019


73


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