Sick Pay
Sick Pay Policy
The Independent Grammar School Durham
This sick pay scheme applies to all employees of the school and is based on statutory requirements under 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 under current legislation.
No contractual sick pay is offered beyond SSP, unless otherwise stated in individual employment contracts. This policy does not reduce any entitlement under an employee’s contract or the law.
From 6 April 2026, the lower earnings threshold and the three waiting days for SSP have been removed. Eligible employees who have done some work for the school can qualify from their first full qualifying day of sickness absence. A qualifying day is normally a day on which the employee would work. The previous requirement for at least four consecutive days of sickness no longer applies.
SSP is administered as follows:
- Payment is made for qualifying days of sickness, subject to statutory eligibility and exclusions, for up to 28 weeks. Linked periods of sickness are dealt with under HMRC rules.
- The weekly amount is the lower of the statutory flat weekly rate or 80% of average weekly earnings, calculated under HMRC rules. The flat rate for 2026/27 is £123.25. Future changes to the statutory rate apply automatically.
- Payment is made through the normal payroll in the same way as wages, with applicable tax and National Insurance deductions. Payroll will apply any relevant transitional rules to absences beginning before 6 April 2026.
Employees must inform the Principal, or the designated absence contact, as soon as possible, following the school’s absence reporting procedures. They should give the reason for absence, its likely duration if known, and updates where this changes. If illness prevents them making contact, another person may notify the school on their behalf. The school will consider any good reason for delayed notification before applying statutory rules on late notice.
Employees must complete self-certification for sickness lasting seven calendar days or fewer. For sickness lasting more than seven consecutive calendar days, including non-working days, a fit note should be supplied. Fit notes may be issued by a doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist and may be digital or printed. SSP will not be withheld merely because a fit note is supplied late.
Where a fit note recommends adjustments to support a return to work, the Principal will discuss these with the employee and consider reasonable adjustments where applicable. Health information will be held securely and shared only where necessary under the Data Protection Policy.
If an employee is ineligible for SSP or entitlement is ending, the school will explain the position and provide form SSP1 within the applicable statutory timescale. Employees who have questions about eligibility or calculations should contact the Principal, who will arrange a payroll check. Unresolved SSP disputes may be referred to HMRC.
This policy follows current GOV.UK and HMRC guidance on Statutory Sick Pay and will be reviewed annually or sooner when legislation changes.
Reviewed October 2026
Next review October 2027 or earlier if legislation changes
Sick Pay Policy
The Independent Grammar School Durham
This sick pay scheme applies to all employees of the school and is based on statutory requirements under 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 under current legislation.
No contractual sick pay is offered beyond SSP, unless otherwise stated in individual employment contracts. This policy does not reduce any entitlement under an employee’s contract or the law.
From 6 April 2026, the lower earnings threshold and the three waiting days for SSP have been removed. Eligible employees who have done some work for the school can qualify from their first full qualifying day of sickness absence. A qualifying day is normally a day on which the employee would work. The previous requirement for at least four consecutive days of sickness no longer applies.
SSP is administered as follows:
- Payment is made for qualifying days of sickness, subject to statutory eligibility and exclusions, for up to 28 weeks. Linked periods of sickness are dealt with under HMRC rules.
- The weekly amount is the lower of the statutory flat weekly rate or 80% of average weekly earnings, calculated under HMRC rules. The flat rate for 2026/27 is £123.25. Future changes to the statutory rate apply automatically.
- Payment is made through the normal payroll in the same way as wages, with applicable tax and National Insurance deductions. Payroll will apply any relevant transitional rules to absences beginning before 6 April 2026.
Employees must inform the Principal, or the designated absence contact, as soon as possible, following the school’s absence reporting procedures. They should give the reason for absence, its likely duration if known, and updates where this changes. If illness prevents them making contact, another person may notify the school on their behalf. The school will consider any good reason for delayed notification before applying statutory rules on late notice.
Employees must complete self-certification for sickness lasting seven calendar days or fewer. For sickness lasting more than seven consecutive calendar days, including non-working days, a fit note should be supplied. Fit notes may be issued by a doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist and may be digital or printed. SSP will not be withheld merely because a fit note is supplied late.
Where a fit note recommends adjustments to support a return to work, the Principal will discuss these with the employee and consider reasonable adjustments where applicable. Health information will be held securely and shared only where necessary under the Data Protection Policy.
If an employee is ineligible for SSP or entitlement is ending, the school will explain the position and provide form SSP1 within the applicable statutory timescale. Employees who have questions about eligibility or calculations should contact the Principal, who will arrange a payroll check. Unresolved SSP disputes may be referred to HMRC.
This policy follows current GOV.UK and HMRC guidance on Statutory Sick Pay and will be reviewed annually or sooner when legislation changes.
Reviewed October 2026
Next review October 2027 or earlier if legislation changes
Discover more
If you would like to know more about life at IGS, or to book an in-person visit, contact us now.
Discover more
If you would like to know more about life at IGS, or to book an in-person visit, contact us now.