If your employee is absent from work due to sickness, you the employer, are responsible for administering Statutory Sick Pay. This will be paid in replacement of their usual salary and cannot be claimed back from the Government.

Do household staff qualify for Statutory Sick Pay?

Household staff are entitled to receive Statutory Sick Pay from their employer as long as they:

  • Are classed as an employee and have done some work for their employer.
  • Have been ill for at least 4 consecutive days.
  • Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit.

When might an employee not qualify for Sick Pay?

If any of the circumstances below apply, then an employee is not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.

  • If they have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks).
  • If they have taken 3 years or more ‘linked periods’ of sickness – where 4 or more days of sickness happen within 8 weeks of each other.
  • If they are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay.

When is Statutory Sick Pay paid?

  • SSP is not paid for the first three consecutive days of illness.
  • These three days are known as ‘waiting days’ and any payment of salary to the employee for these days is at the employer’s discretion.
  • On the fourth consecutive day SSP is paid instead of, or as part of the employee’s normal rate of pay, for up to 28 weeks.

 SSP is not paid for the first three consecutive days of illness. On the fourth consecutive day, SSP can be paid instead of, or as part of the employee’s normal rate of pay for up to 28 weeks.

How much is Sick Pay and how is it paid?

The 2023-24 rate of SSP is £116.75 gross per week.

SSP is paid in the same way as the employee’s normal salary (weekly or monthly), a payslip is provided as normal and Tax and National Insurance will be deducted in the usual way.

Can an employer reclaim SSP?

No, as of 2015 employers are no longer able to reclaim SSP from the government. The SSP amount must come out of the employer’s pocket.

How can Stafftax help you

Stafftax and Statutory Sick Pay

As part of your Stafftax subscription, you can use our Employer’s Members Area to report sickness. The payroll team will reflect the sick pay on the payslips so you’ll know exactly how much you need to pay your employee over the sickness period. If you ever need further advice or guidance through the process of sick leave, we’re here to lead the way.

If you would like to know more about domestic staff and sick pay please don’t hesitate to contact us or alternatively you can get going straight away and set up your domestic staff payroll now.

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