How do I claim statutory sick pay

Employees in the UK are sometimes in the position to claim statutory sick pay from their employer. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and also what they can legally claim. In some cases employers may attempt to avoid paying statutory sick pay, this is one of the main reasons it is important to be aware of employees rights. People who are not aware should consult their trades union representative if applicable or speak to the citizens advice bureau. The DirectGov website can also provide general advice to people wishing to gain information about statutory sick pay.
People who are working for an employer under a contact of service, even if no hours have yet been worked, then you will be entitled to statutory sick pay, if you are sick for at least four days and if the average weekly earnings at the job are at least 97 a week.
In order to claim statutory sick pay the employee must inform the employer that they are sick and if the employers asks they must provide medical evidence from the eighth day of the illness.
The amount of sick pay being paid changed from the 6th April 2010, the standard weekly rate for statutory sick pay is now 79.15 a week. The money which is paid each week is subject to tax and also National Insurance contributions. Although in cases where the employee only receives the sick pay the individual will not be subject to tax.
In the majority of cases statutory sick pay will be paid on the normal pay day of the employee and in the same way which the earnings are paid. If an employee is not eligible for statutory sick pay or it has ended then the employer must complete a SSP1 form and provide the employee with it. The employer must state why the statutory sick pay has not been paid or why it has ended. The form can be used to support a claim from the Employment and Support Allowance. It is very important that the employer provides the employee with this form as soon as possible. Without this form a decision can not be made as to whether there is entitlement for an ESA payment. The form can be downloaded online at the DirectGov website.
There are also other pieces of information which employees should be aware of in case they do need to claim statutory sick pay. It is not affected if an employee goes into hospital. If as an employee you work abroad you may be eligible for statutory sick pay if the employer pays National Insurance contributions for you. Serving members of the Armed Forces can not receive statutory sick pay, although members of their family may be able to claim it on their behalf.