NHS’ sickness policy

[surveyor]

My wife is currently off work on long term sick, while she receives chemotherapy.

As she was only in her 2nd year her policy meant 2 months full pay, and 2 months half pay, then ssp only.

The policy looks to indicate that they consider a rolling 12 months starting from the day before the absence.

In the 3rd year the policy changes to 4 months full pay and 4 months half pay.

Does anyone here know what happens when you hit the 3rd year while on a period of sickness? Do the pay periods change?

If my wife to return to work, would her next absence be considered taking into account her third year of service?

Rules are rules, but they not all that clear and while the financial stuff is not as important as her health - we do need to keep an eye on it.

[Downward]

1st year: One month of full pay and two months of half pay
Second year: Two months of full pay and two months of half pay
Third year: Four months of full pay and four months of half pay
Fourth and fifth years: Five months of full pay and five months of half pay
After five years: Six months of full pay and six months of half


Not sure if it’s year on year as it’s this sick pay per 12 months.

I would hope they pay 4 months full and 4 months half from the 3rd year. If she’s on sick pro rated

Edited by Downward on Monday 16th December 20:58

[Simon_GH]

I’m really sorry to hear your news and I wish you both well.

It’s always worth speaking with HR in these situations. While there are no promises, exceptional decisions are made in exceptional circumstances. Sadly treatment for cancer is non uncommon but it is always worth asking.

Fingers-crossed for her quick and permanent recovery.

[Jasandjules]

surveyor said:

My wife is currently off work on long term sick, while she receives chemotherapy.

The calculation period tends to be prior to the first day of any long term leave thus if off passing the 3rd year of employment the 2 year 2 months will still apply.... As a rule. But you can check with HR

You can ask for a "reasonable adjustment" and hope for the best, there is law on this however...........

[Defcon5]

If she went back to work for a day, would it reset and begin a new period of sickness in a new year of employment?

[Simon_GH]

Defcon5 said:

If she went back to work for a day, would it reset and begin a new period of sickness in a new year of employment?

No. It’s a rolling 12-month window so she would continue where she left off.

[surveyor]

Jasandjules said:

surveyor said:

My wife is currently off work on long term sick, while she receives chemotherapy.

The calculation period tends to be prior to the first day of any long term leave thus if off passing the 3rd year of employment the 2 year 2 months will still apply.... As a rule. But you can check with HR

You can ask for a "reasonable adjustment" and hope for the best, there is law on this however...........

The policy is a bit weird. Talking not about the anniversary, but the 'third year'. She hit the third year of employment while on sick leave, although has had the salary increase that comes in with the third year.

All of this is a complicated as her line manager has left, and she is unsure about how much support she will get from the temporary stand-in, and very much wants to not make a fuss, alongside plenty of fuss on the general health side...

[Steve H]

Is she in a union? Mrs H had health issues post covid when she was a teacher and her union were extremely helpful.

[Mr Obertshaw]

I dont specifically know the answer to your question. But would definitely advise your wife contacts her manager.

Under some circumstances there was certainly a level of discretion for managers in the trust I managed in and under similar circumstances to your wife I had staff who received pay beyond what they were initially entitled to by policy. It took a lot of work to get it agreed, but was worthwhile for the future of our team.