Sick pay

KG

I started working for the council back in October and in my contract it said I wasn't entitled to sick pay for the first 6 months.

I have just been off with this flu thing that's going round (horrible) and contacted the benefits people for employment and support allowance and housing benefit for the week I am off since even one day without pay will mean that I can't make my rent and bills.

However, my friend (a small business owner) keeps banging on saying that my contract is illegal and that my employer has a duty to pay statuatory sick pay. Is this right? Or can they defer that to the benefits people?

I am a permanent employee.

KG

honeypop

Your contract means you won't be entitled to Company Sick Pay for 6 months, Statutory Sick Pay is seperate and you will get this if you qualify. See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Pay/DG_10027238 to check the details.

chrisbur

Yes you will be entitled to SSP provided you qualify and notified your employer at the right time.
Details are at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018786

The weekly amount for SSP is £75.40 and you will not be paid for the first three days unless this illness links with a previous illness. If you do not qualify ask your employer for an SSP1 form which is a claim form you take to the job centre.