I'm off sick, what sick pay am I entitled to?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a minimum legal entitlement. To qualify, you must: be an employee (not just a worker or self-employed); have been ill for at least four consecutive days including non-working days (called "qualifying days"); earn at least £123 per week (2025 lower earnings limit); and be under State Pension age.

SSP is currently paid at £116.75 per week (2025/26 rate) for up to 28 weeks of absence. It is paid by the employer and subject to income tax and National Insurance. The first three qualifying days are "waiting days" and are not paid (unless your employer has a more generous policy).

Many employers provide contractual (enhanced) sick pay above the statutory minimum — this may be full pay for a specified number of weeks, followed by half pay, and then SSP. Always check your contract or staff handbook.

If you are dismissed while on sick leave, you retain all your employment rights, including protection from unfair dismissal (after two years), the right to reasonable adjustments if disabled, and the right not to be discriminated against because of a disability. Dismissing someone solely because they have been on sick leave, particularly if the condition amounts to a disability under the Equality Act 2010, can be both unfair and discriminatory.

Keep fit notes (sick notes) from your GP for absences of seven or more days (for shorter absences you can self-certify). Your employer can request medical evidence but cannot compel you to undergo a medical examination without your consent.