Self-Certification Period Temporarily Extended To 28 Days
Key Contact: Claire Knowles
Author: Dan Evans
The government have announced a temporary measure which allows workers to self-certify a sickness absence that lasts up to 28 calendar days, before needing to acquire medical evidence to be eligible to receive statutory sick pay (SSP). A worker would usually only be able to self-certify for the first seven calendar days of sickness absence.
The temporary extension has been issued to enable GP’s to focus on the COVID-19 booster programme. The change took effect on Friday 17th December 2021 and applies to any sickness absence that started between 10 December 2021 to 26 January 2022. This is subject to review and may be extended if it is considered necessary to support the COVID-19 booster programme.
If an employer provides occupational sick pay at an enhanced rate above SSP, and it has concerns on paying a worker the enhanced rate for more than 7 calendar days without receiving supporting medical evidence, it should seek specialist advice to consider what options are available. The contract and/or policy documents may permit the employer to obtain supporting medical evidence at an earlier stage.
If you require any support, contact a member of our Employment Team.
