If an employee is off sick, you’re required to pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)—£109.40 per week in 2025 for up to 28 weeks—provided they earn at least £123 weekly before tax.
It starts after three consecutive days off, though some employers offer enhanced sick pay as a perk, which should be outlined in contracts. Accurate record-keeping is essential for HMRC compliance. An HR expert can help determine eligibility and ensure you’re meeting legal standards without overcomplicating things. Encourage staff to submit fit notes promptly to track absences and avoid SSP overpayments. If absences spike, reviewing workplace wellbeing—like stress levels—might cut future sick days.
Helpful government guidance is available at: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) on GOV.UK.