Saxperience counsellors

[Matty16v]

Need to ask a quick question.

It doesn't state in our company handbook whether we do or we don't get sick pay.

I was off sick for 4 days in July, nothing was said as people are ill sometimes.

I got called into a meeting about a week ago informing me that they won't be paying me for my sick days and will be taking them off my wages, they then took them off my Augusts wages.. Can they do this?

I only ask, because I was off sick in November last year, only for 2 days and I was paid for them, there is a new director now, so perhaps he's just trying to make an example, but I'm out almost a weeks work and don't have the money to get in to work now!

[blackie_2k5]

If it doesn't state no pay in your contract.. I don't think they can refuse to pay you

There should be a clause which covers both of you.. If not then I can't see them being able to get away with docking your pay

Is there no seperate sickness and absence policy??

[matt_vtr_15a]

Now you know how the boss feels when people pull sickies..

But I imagine in your initial contract you signed that you where allocated a certain number of sick days..

Unless you have signed a new contract he can't pick and choose the terms of your employment like that...

What work is it you do? Salary based ?

[Matty16v]

If it doesn't state no pay in your contract.. I don't think they can refuse to pay you

There should be a clause which covers both of you.. If not then I can't see them being able to get away with docking your pay

Is there no seperate sickness and absence policy??

I'll double check, as far as I can see there is nothing in the handbook

Now you know how the boss feels when people pull sickies..

But I imagine in your initial contract you signed that you where allocated a certain number of sick days..

Unless you have signed a new contract he can't pick and choose the terms of your employment like that...

What work is it you do? Salary based ?

I'm salary based yes, I'm an account manager :y: I technically am the boss lol! (A team leader if you will)

I report to the guy above me who reports to the director, it appears they have docked me, but shows under no uncertain terms that they will not pay me.

[CEdwards]

Go to hiz office nd tell him 'i wnt ma money u cunt' n if he dsnt giv u it, knok him out..

In all seriousness..

He can't change your contract so unless you've signed a new one, It should be the same..

[Matty16v]

So if my contract said "Sick pay is discretionary" there isn't really anything I can do?

I haven't seen my contract yet, I'm sure he will ask questions if I request a copy though?

[Jay_T87]

You might not have it written into your contract (meaning nothing from the company you work for) but you should still be entitled to statutory sick pay from the government. However this depends on how long you were off for (not sure on how long that is though) and also whether you took an official sick note from your doctor.

And statutory sick pay is a minuscule amount of money, youll barely notice any difference in your pay!

[Tommo87]

I think it's the first 3 days are unpaid anything additional at statutory sick pay providing a sick note is provided.

[0rang3peel]

You don't need a sick note unless it's over 5 days as you can self certify.

[Matty16v]

Ye, not entitled to SSP as I wasn't ill for long enough, only £79 a week anyway and I wouldn't get paid for the first 4 days of the sickness.

I was more interested to know if they can pay me sick pay on 1 occasion and then decide on another that they're going to dock my pay for a sickness that happened a month before?

[Jay_T87]

Ye, not entitled to SSP as I wasn't ill for long enough, only £79 a week anyway and I wouldn't get paid for the first 4 days of the sickness.

I was more interested to know if they can pay me sick pay on 1 occasion and then decide on another that they're going to dock my pay for a sickness that happened a month before?

Not sure on that one then mate, I'd suggest speaking to your HR representative (or equivalent) they're usually the ones in the know about this sort of thing.

[smiith]

Did you have a doctors sick note? Most of my contracts have stated that if i take more than 2 days sick, they request a doctors sick note...

Saying that, the only time i have ever been off work, is when iv actually had broken bones..

People who take sick days for having a cold, piss me off to fuck, man up, and get on with it!

[Matty16v]

I could probably get into trouble for this. However, taken directly from the handbook.


4.13. Statutory Sick Pay
Subject to certain exclusions laid down in the relevant Statutory Sick Pay Regulations employees are entitled to receive pay when they are absent from work due to sickness.

This is known as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and is paid out and administered by employers on behalf of the State.

There are many requirements and conditions attached to payment of SSP both for the employee and employer and in order for employees to receive their entitlement the following rules and procedures should be followed.

These should be read and followed in conjunction with the Absence Notification Procedure in this binder.

Whilst the objects of this policy are clearly stated, and are to be followed, for reasons of equity and justice, it must also be advised that any employee who raises a complaint, which upon investigation is proven to be deliberately vexatious, may themselves become the subject of disciplined proceedings.

Persistent lateness, unacceptable levels of absence, and/or unauthorised absence will be considered to be a breach of procedures and may result in disciplinary action and deductions from pay (It doesn't state sickness)

[Ash1711]

Im not sure of the answer myself but at work we use a free helpline for any employment law questions...

Here's their website... Give em a ring!

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461