SC2 Form: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

The self certification sick/fit notes (SC2) program allows employers to request a doctor’s note for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. This is a voluntary program that provides benefits to both employer and employee. However, it does require some coordination between the employer and the employee. If you are interested in learning more about how the program works, read our article here.

Employers will still ask for medical documentation if required.

There is no fee associated with submitting a SC2.

Evidence that you are sick

Self certification is an easy way for employees to prove that they are sick. This type of documentation is used to show employers that you are unable to work because of illness. However, it does not guarantee that you will receive paid sick days. If the employer refuses to pay SSP, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You must provide proof that you are ill, such as a doctor’s note.

Employers usually want a fit-note from your doctor. A fit note is a medical document that explains why you are unfit to work. Your employer cannot deny you paid sick days if you do not submit one. They could fire you though.

An employer cannot refuse to pay you SSP if you do not supply the required evidence. In fact, they cannot ask you to produce any documents. If they do, you can file a discrimination claim against them.

Statement of Work Fitness

The Statement of Fitness for Work form is used to request permission to return to work following a period of absence due to illness or injury. This form must be completed by both the employer and the employee.

Employees should complete the form as soon as possible after returning to work. If there is no date specified on the form, it should be completed within 14 days of returning to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is SSP paid?

Statutory Illness Pay is disbursed via payroll, utilizing the typical processes and frequencies for regular pay. This includes paying weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on how you decide to pay your employees.

The amount of SSP is based on the number of hours worked over the previous week, and is calculated according to the National Minimum Wage rates.

So, if your employees are working 40 hours per week, they’ll earn £7.83 per hour. They’ll therefore receive £5.55 per day of sick pay, plus £2.28 per hour worked during the waiting days.

If they’re working less than 40 hours per week, their hourly wage will determine the amount of SSP they receive. For example, someone earning £8.00 per hour will receive £4.40 per day of sick pay.

For those working part-time, the daily rate varies depending on whether it’s under 20 hours or over 20 hours. Someone working 15 hours a week will receive £3.75 per day of sick pay; whereas someone working 30 hours a week will receive just £2.20 per day of sick pay – half the amount of someone working full-time.

There’s no limit on how long an employee can take off work due to illness, although employers are obliged to make reasonable adjustments to enable an individual to return to work.

Employers are required to keep records of the dates and times of absences, including the reason for absence. These records are kept for six months following the end of the relevant period of incapacity, and can be requested by HMRC or another government department.

What are related illness periods?

If sickness periods are within eight week of each other, and four or more days long, they will be treated as one period of incapacity for work. This is called a linked period of incapacity for workers’ compensation purposes.

The maximum amount of statutory sick pay that can be paid out during a single period of incapacity for a worker is £140 per week. However, if this limit has been reached, it cannot be exceeded unless there is another period of incapacity within 8 weeks.

For example, if a person suffers two periods of incapacity for 5 days each, the total amount payable under the law is £280. However, because the second period of incapacity lasted less than 8 weeks, it is not possible to exceed the weekly cap.

If you need more help, we offer free payroll advice and support. Our team of experts are ready to answer your questions 24/7 via phone, email or live chat. Call us now on 0800 917 2323 or use the live chat button on the bottom left hand side of the screen. If sickness periods are within eight week of each other, and four or more days long, they will be treated as one period of incapacity for work. This is called a linked period of incapacity for workers’ compensation purposes.

The maximum amount of statutory sick pay that can be paid out during a single period of incapacity for a worker is £140 per week. However, if this limit has been reached, it cannot be exceeded unless there is another period of incapacity within 8 weeks.

For example, if a person suffers two periods of incapacity for 5 days each, the total amount payable under the law is £280. However, because the second period of incapacity lasted less than 8 weeks, it is not possible to exceed the weekly cap.