Sick leave

Sick leave entitlements in the United Kingdom are governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996, which establishes statutory minimum protections for workers who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike many other jurisdictions, the UK does not mandate a specific number of paid sick days that employers must provide. Instead, the law requires that employers have a reasonable sickness absence policy in place and that they treat employees fairly and consistently when managing absences.

The statutory framework focuses on employee rights rather than prescribed leave days. Workers are protected from unfair dismissal if they take time off due to genuine illness, and employers cannot penalize employees for absence caused by sickness. However, employers are not legally obligated to pay wages during periods of sickness absence unless their employment contract or company policy specifies otherwise.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a separate entitlement that provides limited financial support. Eligible employees can receive SSP at the rate of £111.35 per week (as of April 2024) for up to 28 weeks in any three-year period, but only after three consecutive days of absence. Employees must meet specific eligibility criteria, including earning at least £123 per week.

Employers and payroll teams must establish clear sickness absence policies that comply with employment law, maintain accurate absence records, and ensure consistent application across the workforce. Organizations should document all absences, communicate policy expectations to employees, and seek medical evidence when appropriate. Compliance with these requirements protects both employer and employee interests while maintaining fair workplace standards.