The Independent Grammar School: Durham

 SICK PAY POLICY

This sick pay scheme applies to all employees of the school and is based on statutory requirements as set out by UK employment law. Employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), provided they meet the eligibility criteria as defined by current legislation.

Eligibility

Employees must be off work for at least four consecutive days (including weekends and bank holidays) due to sickness.  They must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit as set by HMRC.  Employees must inform the school of their absence as soon as possible, following the school’s absence reporting procedures.

Statutory Sick Pay Terms

SSP is paid from the fourth qualifying day of absence, up to a maximum of 28 weeks.

The current SSP rate is set by the government and may be subject to change annually.

Payment is made in the same way as normal wages (i.e., monthly).

Notification and Evidence

Employees must provide a self-certification form for absences of seven days or less.

For absences longer than seven days, a doctor’s ‘fit note’ must be provided.

Additional Information

No contractual sick pay is offered beyond SSP, unless otherwise stated in individual employment contracts.  For further details, employees should refer to the official government guidance on SSP and consult with the Principal if needed.

January 2026

Next Review:  January 2028