How to calculate statutory sick pay
Statutory sick pay is a flat weekly amount paid for qualifying days of sickness, after waiting days, for a maximum number of weeks. Company sick pay schemes pay more and start sooner.
The rule
Sick pay = weekly statutory rate × qualifying weeks, after the waiting-day period
Do it automatically — Sick payStep by step
- 1Check you meet the minimum earnings threshold to qualify.
- 2Count the waiting days at the start of the absence, which are usually unpaid.
- 3Apply the flat weekly rate for each qualifying week, up to the maximum duration.
- 4Compare against your contractual sick pay scheme, which normally takes precedence.
What trips people up
- • Statutory sick pay is far below normal pay — a long absence is a serious income shock.
- • Linked periods of sickness can be treated as one absence, which affects waiting days and duration.
Common questions
Is sick pay taxable?
Yes, it is paid through payroll with tax and contributions deducted.
What happens when it runs out?
You may move onto state disability or income-related benefits — check eligibility early.
Skip the maths
Estimate weekly statutory sick pay and how long the entitlement lasts.
Open the statutory sick pay tool