As a nurse at the East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, England, I have seen firsthand how important it is for NHS staff to understand their sick pay entitlement.
The NHS offers a generous sick pay scheme, but it can be complex and difficult to understand. In this article, we will explore how long NHS sick pay lasts, how it is calculated, and what happens if you are injured at work.
NHS Sick Pay Entitlement 2023
The amount of sick pay you are entitled to increases with the length of service. In your first year of service, you are entitled to one month of full pay and two months of half pay, which increases to six months of full pay and six months of half pay after five years of service.
NHS Sick Pay Calculator
To calculate your sick pay entitlement, you can use the following table:
Length of ServiceSick Pay Entitlement
Up to 12 months: One month of 100% pay, two months of 50% pay
Up to two years: Two months of 100% pay, two months of 50% pay
Up to three years: Four months of 100% pay, four months of 50% pay
Up to five years: Five months of 100% pay and five months of 50% pay
At least five years, Six months of 100% pay, and six months of 50% pay
The table below Show how sick pay allowances increase over time:
| Length of service | Sick pay entitlement |
| Up to 12 months | One month of 100% pay, two months of 50% pay |
| Up to two years | Two months of 100% pay, two months of 50% pay |
| Up to three years | Four months of 100% pay, four months of 50% pay |
| Up to five years | Five months of 100% pay and five months of 50% pay |
| At least 5 years | Six months of 100% pay and six months of 50% pay |
When Does NHS Sick Pay Reset?
Your sick pay entitlement resets after 12 months of service. However, any periods of sickness in the preceding 12 months will be taken into account when calculating your entitlement.
NHS Sick Pay After 12 Months
After 12 months of service, you are entitled to two months of full pay and two months of half pay.
NHS Sick Pay 6 Months
After five years of service, you are entitled to six months of full pay and six months of half pay.
NHS Sick Pay After 2 Years
After two years of service, you are entitled to two months of full pay and two months of half pay.
NHS Sick Pay Policy
The NHS sick pay policy is designed to provide financial support to staff who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The policy is based on length of service, with longer-serving staff entitled to more generous benefits.
NHS Sick Pay Entitlement 2024
The NHS sick pay entitlement for 2024 is the same as for 2023, with the amount of ill pay increasing with the length of service.
Do NHS Staff Get Full Sick Pay?
NHS staff are entitled to full sick pay for a certain period, depending on their length of service. After this period, they may be entitled to half pay.
Is NHS Sick Pay Rolling 12 Months?
No, NHS sick pay is not rolling 12 months. Your entitlement resets after 12 months of service.
How Long Do You Get Full Pay When Off Sick in the UK?
The length of time you receive full pay when off sick in the UK depends on your length of service with the NHS.
What is Stage 2 Sickness NHS?
Stage 2 sickness NHS refers to the second stage of the NHS sickness absence procedure. This stage is triggered when an employee has been absent from work for more than 28 days.
How is NHS Sickness Calculated?
NHS sickness is calculated based on your length of service and the amount of time you have been absent from work.
Can I Go Abroad While on Sick Leave in the UK?
It is generally not recommended to go abroad while on sick leave in the UK, as this may affect your entitlement to sick pay.
Does Sick Pay Reset Every Year in the UK?
No, sick pay does not reset every year in the UK. Your entitlement resets after 12 months of service.
Is it Illegal to Work Another Job While on Sick Leave in the UK?
It is generally not illegal to work another job while on sick leave in the UK, but you must declare any additional income to your employer.
Can My Employer Contact Me While on Sick Leave in the UK?
Yes, your employer can contact you while you are on sick leave in the UK, but they must respect your right to privacy and not harass you.