The short answer
If a qualifying employee is off sick you must pay SSP at the statutory rate, paid like normal wages. You can offer more, never less. Ask for a fit note only after self-certification.
If a qualifying employee is off sick you must pay SSP at the statutory rate, paid like normal wages. You can offer more, never less. Ask for a fit note only after self-certification.
The full plain-English guide is being written and reviewed. Meanwhile, the official guidance below covers the essentials, and the FirstEmployer app walks you through this step with the exact law on screen.
This guide is being expanded and solicitor-reviewed. The answer above is current as of config 2026.2.