Statutary Sick Pay Question

anxious_mum

I would like to have some advice on the above please.

My son (aged 19) has been employed full time for a company for the last 9 months.

Three years ago, when he was still at school, he had a nasty accident and tore ligaments in his ankle, which has always caused him some pain after the fact, but has never incapacitated him, he has lead a normal, active life for a teenager .

Two weeks ago, he fell badly and re-ignited the ankle injury. His job involves a lot of walking, and his ankle is causing a lot of trouble now.

He went to the GP, and he was told that he needs to see an 'ankle specialist' at the hospital. The doctor he saw gave him a form which is called 'statement for fitness for work for social security or statutory sick pay', and he has ticked the box 'you are not fit for work'.

My questions: How does he claim SSP? Does he go through his employer?

How long will it cover him for? He is paid per hour, so if he doesn't work, he gets no pay.

How much will he get as SSP? He currently earns around £10.00 per hour.

Thank you so much

paddedjohn

SSP is set at around £82 per week and will/should be payable by his company

anxious_mum

Thanks paddedjohn, so his first call is his employer? I feel a complete numpty here, I've been salaried for about 100 years, so when he asked me what to do I had no idea!

PasturesNew

2012-2013 it is £85.85/week. The initial few days aren't paid.

anxious_mum

Thank you, does he go to his employer then?

zzzLazyDaisy

He sends the fit note into his employer and the employer will pay SSP through the payroll in the normal way - but SSP is not paid for the first three days (known as 'waiting days').

He may get more than SSP if the employer has a company sick pay scheme.

He can get SSP for up to 28 weeks and if he is still off work at that point hios employer gives him form SSP1 and he sends it in to DWP to claim ESA (but lets hope it doesn't come to that).

This info may help

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/overview

One other thing - I don't wish to worry you, but as your son started working for this employer after 6th April 2012, he can be dismissed for any reason during the first two years of service provided that it is not for an unlawfully discriminatory reason. What this means is that the employer can terminate his employment if they choose - unless his ankle problem meets the criteria for 'disability' under the Equality Act 2010. I am not saying this will happen and hopefully it won't come to that, but just so you know.

anxious_mum

Thanks zzzLazyDaisy, very helpful information. Yes, he's aware of the two year thing, it's something to think about for sure. He's doing well at his job though, and his bosses appear to value him, so we'll have to wait and see.

Thanks all for your help, much appreciated.

chrisbur

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

He sends the fit note into his employer and the employer will pay SSP through the payroll in the normal way - but SSP is not paid for the first four days (known as 'waiting days').
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Just a tiny point to clarify it's three waiting days not four; I think you may be thinking of the number of days needed for a PIW.

zzzLazyDaisy

Its funny you should say that. I initially wrote three days, and then did a double check and thought I saw it was four days... must have had a blonde moment

Edit - have corrected it now, thanks