Can my employer really do this?

[MrsAMerrick]

We are facing another round of cut-backs at work, including a pay cut. It has also been proposed that the first three days of sick leave are unpaid. Now this doesn't bother me personally, as I am never ill so have never had to take sick leave, but surely this is not allowed under sickness rules? If people are genuinely ill, then shouldn't they still be paid? This doesn't seem to be an attempt by the employers to cut down on suspected "throwing a sickie" behaviour, but an attempt to save money. I think it's appalling, but is it really legal?

[AnneElliott]

I'm pretty sure they can do this. I think tesco does this as it reduces short term sickness absence.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

First three days are unpaid under SSP rule. So yes it is legal. It is a very effective may of reducing non-genuine casual sickness particularly either Monday or Friday disease.

[MrsAMerrick]

Thanks, I would (sort of) have more sympathy if i thought it was an attempt to reduce Monday disease, but all I can see is that people will feel they have to come into the office when they are genuinely ill. It just feels like they are picking on sick people. But I guess if it's legal.....

[Flibbertyjibbet]

If they are doing this then you may find that after the 3 days is up, you only get paid SSP which is a lower daily rate than even a shift at minimum wage. ( I think, happy to be corrected).

This happened to my friend when she lost her baby at 22 weeks, the company just put her on SSP which was hardly any money.

However when I started work this was the norm in a lot of places until you had a certain number of years service. It really does cut down on sick leave for minor things.