UK Career FAQ · 2026 Guide
How Much Sick Pay UK 2026/27? SSP and Company Schemes
What it means
Sick pay in the UK comes in two layers: statutory (£118.75/week SSP) and contractual (company scheme above SSP). Most UK employees receive a combination — full or enhanced pay during the early weeks, dropping to SSP after that. The total amount varies dramatically by employer, sector, and tenure.
How it works
Days 1-3: Waiting days, unpaid. Days 4+: SSP eligible (£118.75/week). Company sick pay layered on top per your contract — typically full pay for 4-13 weeks, then standard SSP rate. After 28 weeks of SSP, statutory entitlement ends; you remain employed but unpaid (or on company sick pay if it extends beyond SSP). Pension contributions and holiday continue accruing throughout.
What to do
Check your contract for company sick pay terms. Many UK employees underestimate their sick pay entitlement because the contract has multiple stages. Use our SSP calculator to model both statutory and company sick pay across your absence period. For long-term sickness, get fit notes promptly and engage with occupational health to maximise claim certainty.
Common mistakes
Common UK sick pay mistakes: (1) Not knowing company sick pay terms before falling ill. (2) Failing to provide fit notes (delays SSP). (3) Missing eligibility (you need 4+ consecutive sick days for SSP). (4) Not raising payroll errors in initial sick pay. (5) For self-employed, not applying for ESA promptly when ill.
Worked example
Emma works in financial services with 13 weeks full pay sick pay scheme + SSP. She's off sick for 18 weeks. Pay breakdown: Weeks 1-3 (waiting days): full pay (her contract pays through them); Weeks 4-13: full pay (~£5,800/month); Weeks 14-18: SSP only at £118.75/week (~£475/month). Total over 18 weeks: ~£60,000 vs ~£24,000 if she'd had no company scheme.
Recruiter pro tip
Public sector schemes (especially NHS) often have much more generous sick pay than private sector — particularly with long service. NHS Agenda for Change pays 6 months full + 6 months half by year 5. If considering public vs private sector job moves, factor company sick pay differences into your decision.
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