Statutorysick,maternityandpaternitypay

Employees who meet the qualifying conditions are entitled to statutory payments during periods of sickness, maternity, and paternity absence, funded in the first instance by the employer and, in many cases, recoverable in part through the payroll system. Eligibility depends on factors such as length of service and average earnings.

Employers need accurate payroll records to identify entitlement correctly and to claim any recovery available, along with clear policies covering notification and evidence requirements. Getting statutory pay wrong, whether by underpaying or missing recovery opportunities, is a common and avoidable payroll error.