Statutory Sick Pay Change

Effective for absences beginning after 10 December 2021, employees can self-certify for 28 days, to enable GPs to focus on the COVID-19 booster programme. Normally employees only self-certify sickness absence for the first seven days.

Employees eligible to receive statutory sick pay are not normally required to provide their employer with medical evidence to support sickness absence for the first seven days of absence. For longer periods of absence, they must obtain medical evidence (a fit note) from their GP.

GPs will still be required to supply fit notes for periods of absence exceeding 28 days.

This change takes effect from 17 December, but applies to absences beginning on or after 10 December 2021, up to and including absences which begin on or before 26 January 2022. The self-certification period will revert to seven days for absences beginning on or after 27 January 2022.

Speak to our payroll department if you need help with this change.