Sick pay is an essential aspect of any employment contract, as it ensures that employees are protected if they fall ill and are unable to work. However, for workers on 0 hour contracts, the rules on sick pay can be confusing, leaving them uncertain about what they are entitled to. In this article, we will take a closer look at how sick pay works on a 0 hour contract.

What is a 0 hour contract?

A 0 hour contract is a type of employment contract where an employer does not guarantee a minimum number of hours of work to an employee. Instead, the employee is only paid for the hours that they actually work. This type of contract is typically used in industries with fluctuating demand, such as hospitality and retail.

Sick pay on a 0 hour contract

The rules around sick pay on a 0 hour contract can be complex and vary depending on the employer. In general, workers on 0 hour contracts are entitled to sick pay if they meet certain conditions.

If you are an employee on a 0 hour contract and you fall ill, you should inform your employer as soon as possible. Your employer may ask you to provide evidence of your illness, such as a doctor`s note or a self-certification form. The length of time you are sick for will affect how much sick pay you are entitled to.

Employers are not legally required to pay sick pay to employees on 0 hour contracts. However, some employers may offer sick pay as part of their company policy. This can be a set amount for a certain number of days, or a percentage of the employee`s salary for a particular period.

If your employer does not offer sick pay, you may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the government. This is paid for up to 28 weeks and is currently £96.35 per week (as of 2021). To be eligible, you must earn at least £120 per week and have been sick for at least 4 days in a row (including weekends and bank holidays).

Conclusion

In summary, sick pay on a 0 hour contract can be complex, with entitlements varying between employers and dependent on the length of sickness. Employers are not legally required to offer sick pay to those on 0 hour contracts, but some may offer it as part of their company policy. If sick pay is not offered by the employer, employees may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay from the government. As always, it is the employee`s responsibility to inform their employer as soon as possible and follow their company`s procedures regarding sick leave and pay.