Exclusion form SSP1

In the news dated 17 October, we reported that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had posted the revised version of the SSP exclusion form on its website and was passing it off as a Statutory Sick Pay claim form for employees to download and complete. Over two months and several exchanges of correspondence later, the DWP has acknowledged the error, made some changes to the wording, but still managed to get the instructions completely wrong.

If you would like to enjoy the confusion while it continues, please visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/statutory_sick_pay.asp and follow the link "You can download a Statutory Sick Pay claim form".
...back to 9 January 2004

Employees not qualifying for SSP

The newsletter of 26 September made reference to the removal from the SSP1 changeover form of the application form for Incapacity Benefit. The new version of form SSP1 is now available on the DWP website, where it is described as a "Statutory Sick Pay Claim Form" and is presented as a form that employees should download, print, fill in with a pen and send to the address on the form.

However, form SSP1 is not a claim form for SSP; rather it retains its role as a "changeover" form. The first seven pages are for the employer's use, to explain why SSP cannot be paid, or why it can no longer be paid. Pages 8 to 11 simply provide detailed guidance for employees on how to claim Incapacity Benefit, which now starts with a telephone call or a visit to the local Jobcentre Plus office to arrange an interview.

It is extraordinary to see a Government website describe the purpose and use of a form so incorrectly. The page is well worth a visit. It does at least have something to offer employers.
(Source: www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/statutory_sick_pay.asp
and
www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/ssp1_print.pdf )
...back to 17 October 2003

Employees not qualifying for SSP

When an employee does not qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, or ceases to qualify for further payments, the employer must issue the "changeover" form SSP1 to the employee. It enables the employee to immediately make a claim for Incapacity Benefit.

The SSP1 form has now been simplified and the Incapacity Benefit Claim Form has been removed. Employees wishing to claim Incapacity Benefit in future can do so by telephoning the local Jobcentre Plus office.
(Source: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/employers/empbull15.pdf )
...back to 26 September 2003

Statutory Sick Pay

The Fixed Term Employees Regulations, which take effect on 1 October, include a small but significant change for employers who engage temporary employees for periods of 13 weeks or less. As the new Regulations are intended to prevent discrimination against fixed term workers, the rule that excludes short-term temporary employees from receiving SSP has been removed, along with the requirement for temporary engagements to link in order to qualify for SSP.

The effect of the change is that

• all temporary employees are entitled to SSP from 1 October 2002 as long as they meet the qualifying conditions,
• temporary employees who are already in employment on 1 October will be entitled to SSP if a new PIW starts on or after 1 October,
• if a PIW has already started before 1 October and continues beyond that date, the temporary employee will not be entitled to SSP for that PIW or for any later linked PIW.

Payroll Briefing 8 - 10 October 2002