January HR Briefing - Sick pay

It’s that time of year when coughs, colds and viruses are rife and sickness absence at work can often peak.  This article will look at employers’ obligations to pay staff who are off sick. 

• Do we have to pay sick pay?
• What is the benefit to the employer of sick pay?
• What are the downsides of paying sick pay?
• What should a Sickness Policy include?
• What is a Fit Note?
• What are the SSP rules? 
• How does SSP work with company sick pay? 
• How can a reasonable employer ensure that sick pay is being paid appropriately? 

For more information take a look at:
GOV.uk guidance on SSP at https://www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay/overviewThe new Government-backed Occupational Health service https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/362480/fit-for-work.pdf

The full article is on the BALC website The full artcle is on the BALC website here


Prepared by Bethan Osborne, Employment and HR Consultant to Berkshire Association of Local Councils  January 2015