How many sick days am I entitled to at work and how long does statutory sick pay last for?
Worryingly, it appears most Brits think they are entitled to MUCH more than they actually are...
IT appears Brits are in the dark when it comes to sick pay, with many believing they are due a full salary for three and a half months.
If you're one of them, you may be in for a shock. Here's the truth about what you're actually entitled to.
Are you entitled for sick pay and how long for?
Employees are entitled to if you have started work for an employer, are sick for four days straight and earn £113 a week.
You are if you are self-employed, have had SSP for 28 weeks, serve in the armed forces or are in legal custody - to name a few.
If you meet the criteria, you can get £89.35 per week for up to 28 weeks but your employer may choose to pay you more.
If you haven’t been given a contract or it’s not in there, you should ask your employer or check your staff handbook or intranet.
What sick pay do Brits think they are entitled to?
A survey from found 96 per cent of British workers do not know how much sick pay they are entitled to, .
It went on to say that more than 40 per cent of companies reduce salaries to SSP within two weeks.
And one in six firms are reported to slash wages after just four days.
"It's important for people to be able to quickly secure sick notes or medical certificates when they’re unwell," said Direct Line head of life insurance Trevor Bush.
Do employers try and get out of sick pay?
Unfortunately yes, and Citizens Advice warned some businesses are exploiting confusion around the issue to avoid paying employees.
It claims firms use tactics including cancelling shifts after staff have called in sick to appear as though they were not meant to be in that day.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice told Sun Online: "Sick pay is a basic right which many workers are entitled to.
"Although some employers make genuine mistakes... others are trying to confuse people about their rights so they can get away with not paying up."
KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
What to do if your employer refuses to pay up
If your boss says that you aren't entitled to sick pay but you feel you are, ask them to fill in the government sick pay explaining their reasons.
Once they've handed it back to you, contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on 0300 200 3200. The taxman will make a decision about whether you are owed sick pay or not.
If your employer still refuses to pay, contact the Acas (or calling them on 0300 123 1122) and they will negotiate with your employer.