What is statutory sick pay?
If you're too ill to work, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This is a minimum—your contract may offer more. SSP is paid at a fixed rate for up to 28 weeks per absence.
Who gets SSP?
- You're employed (includes apprentices)
- You earn at least £175/week (the Lower Earnings Limit—April 2026 figure)
- You're off sick for 4 or more consecutive days
- You've provided proper notice/evidence (fit note from GP, company absence procedure)
How much is SSP?
£111.35/week (April 2026 rate—this changes annually). This is the statutory minimum. Your contract may promise more.
SSP is paid weekly or as part of your regular pay. It's taxed as normal salary.
How long can you get SSP?
Up to 28 weeks per period of incapacity to work. If you're off sick for 3 weeks, then return to work for 1 week, then are sick again, the clock restarts. But 2+ weeks means a new period of incapacity.
What about the first 3 days?
The first 3 days of sickness are "Waiting Days"—you usually don't get paid SSP for these. Your employer can choose to pay you for waiting days (many do), but they're not required to.
From the 4th day onwards, you get SSP.
Fit notes
Your employer can ask for a fit note (previously called a sick note) from your GP if you're off for more than 7 consecutive days. You pay for the fit note, not your employer.
Your employer cannot ask for a medical report or GP letter to justify SSP claims of 7 days or less.