How Statutory Sick Pay works

If you're too ill to work, your employer must pay you Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for each qualifying day of sickness, provided you earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit and meet the other eligibility rules. The first 3 qualifying days of a sickness period are "waiting days" and are unpaid — SSP starts from the 4th qualifying day. SSP is paid at a flat weekly rate (£118.75 for 2026/27), which we divide by your contracted working days per week to get a daily rate. SSP is payable for a maximum of 28 weeks; many employers also offer contractual (occupational) sick pay on top, which is usually more generous.