TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
The Amount: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is currently £118.75 per week (2025/26 rate). It is much lower than a full salary.
The “Waiting Days”: You usually get £0 for the first 3 days of sickness. You only start getting paid on Day 4.
Doctor’s Note: You do not need a doctor’s note for the first 7 days. You can “self-certify.”
Zero-Hour Workers: You do qualify for SSP if you earn at least £125 per week on average.
You wake up with a fever, a migraine, or the flu. You physically cannot go to work. But then the worry sets in: “If I call in sick, will I be able to pay rent this month?”
Most people assume they will get their full salary when they are ill. For many UK workers, that is unfortunately not true.
The Two Types of Sick Pay
First, check your contract. You fall into one of two camps:
Contractual Sick Pay (The Good One): Your employer chooses to pay your full salary for a certain number of weeks. This is a “perk,” not a legal right.
Statutory Sick Pay (The Legal Minimum): If your contract says nothing (or “statutory only”), you get the government minimum.
This guide focuses on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
A Quick Story: Meet Sarah
Sarah works full-time (Mon-Fri). She wakes up on Tuesday with the flu.
She stays home Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
She feels better and returns to work on Friday.
On payday, she sees a deduction. She has been paid £0 for those 3 sick days.
The Verdict: Sarah is shocked, but her boss is right. Under SSP rules, the first 3 days are “Waiting Days.” You get nothing. Sarah would only have started earning money if she was still sick on Friday (Day 4).
The “3-Day Wait” Rule
This is the biggest shock for new employees.
Days 1-3: Unpaid (unless you have a generous contract).
Day 4 onwards: You start accruing SSP (£118.75 per week).
Note: If you are sick again within 8 weeks, the waiting days might not apply (this is called “Linking Periods”).
“Do I Need a Doctor’s Note?”
Your boss cannot demand a GP note immediately.
0–7 Days Off: You do not need a note. You simply fill in a “Self-Certification” form (usually an email or a form from your HR portal) saying “I was sick.”
8+ Days Off: You need a “Fit Note” (formerly Sick Note) from a doctor or hospital.
If your boss demands a doctor’s note on Day 2, they are wasting your GP’s time, and you can refuse.
Do Zero-Hour Workers Get SSP? Yes.
There is a myth that zero-hour workers get no rights. This is false.
To qualify, you must:
Be classed as an “employee” or “worker.”
Earn an average of at least £125 per week (before tax).
Have been sick for at least 4 days in a row.
If you meet these, your boss must pay you SSP. It is not optional.
What if I earn less than £125?
If you are low-paid or part-time and don’t qualify for SSP, your employer must give you form SSP1.
You can use this form to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from the government instead.
Summary: Check Your Contract First
Before you call in sick, read your contract.
Company Sick Pay? Great, enjoy your recovery without stress.
Statutory Only? Be prepared for the first 3 days to be unpaid.
(Sources: Gov.uk – Statutory Sick Pay, Acas – Sickness and Absence)
This guide is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Sick pay rates (£118.75) are correct as of the 2025/26 tax year but change every April.