As an increasing number of people switch to zero hour contracts, one of the questions that often comes up is whether or not they are entitled to sick pay. The simple answer is that it depends on your employer and the terms of your contract.
First off, it’s important to understand what a zero hour contract actually is. In short, it’s a type of employment contract that doesn’t guarantee any minimum number of working hours each week. Instead, you work only when your employer needs you, and you are paid only for the hours you work.
Now, when it comes to sick pay, most employees who work in the UK are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) if they are too ill to work. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and zero hour contract workers are one of them.
This means that if you are on a zero hour contract, you are not automatically entitled to SSP if you fall ill. Your employer is not legally required to pay you any sick pay at all, and it’s up to them to decide whether or not they want to offer it.
If you do get sick and you are not entitled to SSP, you may be able to claim benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit to help cover your living costs while you are unable to work.
However, some employers do offer sick pay to their zero hour contract workers, either as part of their employment package or on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure whether or not you are entitled to sick pay, it’s worth checking your contract or speaking to your employer to find out.
It’s also worth noting that some zero hour contract workers may be entitled to SSP if they meet certain criteria. For example, if you have worked for your employer for at least three months and have earned an average of at least £120 per week, you may be eligible for SSP.
In conclusion, whether or not you are entitled to sick pay on a zero hour contract really depends on your employer and the terms of your contract. It’s important to check your contract or speak to your employer to find out if you are entitled to any form of sick pay, and to understand the criteria for claiming benefits if you are not.