Your employees may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is £116.75 a week for up to 28 weeks.
Notice and fit notes
The employee should tell you they’re sick within the time limit set by you, or 7 days if you do not have one. You cannot insist they tell you in person or on a special form.
You do not have to pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for any days the employee was late in telling you (unless there’s a good reason for the delay).
You can only ask for a fit note if your employee is off work for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days).
Fit notes and asking for proof
You cannot withhold SSP if the employee is late sending you a fit note.
If your employee is off sick frequently or for a long time, HMRC has information about getting medical advice.
Fit notes
A fit note (sometimes called a sick note) must be issued by one of the following healthcare professionals:
- GP or hospital doctor
- registered nurse
- occupational therapist
- pharmacist
- physiotherapist
The note can be printed or digital.
Other proof of sickness
If you agree, the employee can give you a similar document from a physiotherapist, podiatrist or occupational therapist instead of a fit note. This is called an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report.
Derby Community Accountancy Service 