Sick Pay

Psychofly

Sorry if this is the wrong forum... couldn't work out the best one.

My girlfriend has been off work sick for a while now.
She reached the end of her sick pay entitlement around the middle on July however she only received a letter yesterday (dated September 13th) telling her as of middle of July she'd receive no pay.

Is there anything she can do to complain about this and is she entitled to compensation of any sort ?

Thanks for any advice.

Morty_007

I guess she couold phone them to complain, it looks like incompetent administration but with respect...hardly compensatable? What for? It's only a courtesy letter that has been delayed...if she hadn't received any letter would she have even thought about it?

dmg24

Are you referring to sick pay from her employer? Surely your girlfriend knew when her sick pay would run out?

Best course of action now is to contact the DWP to claim Incapacity Benefit (assuming she has paid enough NI contributions).

Psychofly

I kind of thought that too. I just told her I'd found out what I could.

I would of thought they'd be legally obliged to give a certain period of written notice before stopping her pay but she should also have picked up on the fact that her pay had stopped.

It's not the issue of the money being needed - it's the fact that's she's off with stress and depression and she gets worked up and upset easily by things like this. You'd think given the situation they would be trying to help, not giving her more to worry about.

dmg24

Unfortunately most employers just see employees as numbers, and don't take into account personal circumstances. Sign of the times ... Hope she gets back on her feet soon x

Edit: I think they are obliged to write to her when her pay runs out, but I don't believe this has to be in advance of it happening. Not 100% sure on that one.

iceicebaby

Although they have been a bit lacking in their administration, your g/f is only entitled to a certain amount of sick pay, of which this has now ended.

Psychofly

Thanks for the advice mate. Like I said I didn't think there was much she could do but I told her I'd try and find out.. and if nothing else I can help her write a nasty letter to them since it's their fault she's off anyway.

Boomdocker

I dont see why it has to be nasty.

Psychofly

Mainly because you don't know the full story and the crap they've put her through. They should be going out of there way to be nice before she goes to a lawyer after what they've done - but I'm not going into details.

Boomdocker

Er, ok. You are right we don't know the whole story but your question was regarding your employer not notifying you of sick pay running out and whether contracually/legally they should. You didn't mention at the beginning there were other factors. I believe that letter is sent only as a courtesy but I am not sure, at my place of work it is a courtesy and not an obligation. The other factors are important as this isn't just about not getting a letter about sick pay running out is it? You have other issues and this is another thing to add to the complaint you have? The only thing I would add is if the working relationship has broken down is it wise to start sending nasty letters to further flame the issue? I would suggest a politely worded letter asking for a breakdown of payments and confirmation of dates of expiry etc and any SSP1 details. If you have a case that you are dealing with seperatly be the bigger person and gather any facts rationally. Too often people go in blazing when they are angry and upset and cause the divide to widen. That is meant to be advise and not at all preach but I know how it can read that way.

Hope your g/f is feeling better soon.

Psychofly

I didn't actually mean that I was going to send a letter full of insults and swearing. I didn't literally mean a "NASTY" letter, maybe I phrased it wrong.

It'll be polite and calm but there'll be no doubt as to the disappointment in their conduct and how we feel they've failed her.

Thanks for the advice everyone.