Common questions we hear from business owners: “Can I claim back the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) I pay to my employees?”
The simple answer is NO
What you need to know
The government abolished the reclaiming SSP in 2014. Full financial responsibility for SSP lies with the employer.
- Your Current Obligation: You must pay SSP directly to eligible employees for up to 28 weeks. As of the 2025 rate, this is £116.75 per week (paid from the 4th consecutive day of sickness).
What This Means for Your Business and Payroll
Since you cannot reclaim SSP, proper financial and HR management is critical:
- Budgeting is Essential: You must now fully budget for the cost of SSP within your operating expenses, even for long-term absences (up to the 28-week limit).
- Impeccable Record Keeping: You must maintain detailed, accurate records of all sickness absences and SSP payments. Mistakes can lead to HMRC penalties or employment disputes.
- Review Your Sick Pay Policy: If you offer Company Sick Pay (Occupational Sick Pay) on top of SSP, ensure its terms are clearly defined in contracts to manage costs and employee expectations.
Our Advice to Avoid Mistakes
To ensure compliance and protect your bottom line:
- Train Your Team: Ensure your payroll and HR staff are fully trained on current SSP eligibility rules and payment calculations.
- Automate Tracking: Use reliable payroll software that automatically tracks SSP entitlements and payments.
- Seek Expert Advice: For complex or long-term sickness cases, professional legal or HR advice is invaluable.
Archers Accountants your straight talking advisors. More than just accountants.
