Statutory Sick Pay
When it comes to answering whether nannies have the right to statutory sick pay, many people won’t be sure about the answer. This is because most people don’t consider nannying, housekeeping, or any private domestic work as a type of formal employment. But the truth is that they will be considered employees if they tick specific criteria.
The Government website has established that you will be considered an employer of a nanny, housekeeper, gardener or anyone else who works in your home if both:
- You hire them
- They’re not self-employed or paid through an agency.
We want to highlight that the government does not consider au pairs as employees.
As mentioned above, if, for example, your nanny gets paid by you and if they are not self-employed, you will be considered an employer, and they will be considered employees.
How do I know if my nanny or housekeeper qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
To be able to qualify for SSP, your nanny or housekeeper must:
- Be considered an employee and have done some work for the employer
- Have a salary of at least £120 per week
- Be ill or self-isolating for at least four days in a row; this includes non-working days.
How many days can my nanny or housekeeper get?
This will depend on why your nanny or housekeeper is off work. If you need advice, you can always contact our payroll department on 0207 183 0309.
The nanny or housekeeper must inform their employer if they cannot work in the frame time they have stabilised on the contract or if this is not mentioned in the agreement within seven days. So, we recommend employees and employers stipulate this in the employment contract.
Are there exceptions for claiming SSP?
Your nanny, housekeeper or domestic private staff won’t qualify for SSP if they:
- Have already enjoyed the maximum amount of SSP by law -28 weeks-
- Are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay
- After returning to the UK, they are self-isolating and do not need to self-isolate for any other reason.
Can your nanny or housekeeper qualify for SSP if they haven’t received nine weeks’ pay?
They can still qualify for SSP.
Can I ask my nanny or housekeeper for proof of sickness?
The employer has the right to ask their nanny, housekeeper or domestic private staff for proof of sickness if they have been off work for more than seven days in a row. This includes the non-working days.
A fit or sick note can be given to your employee by the doctor or hospital. Also, we advise employers to accept documents provided by a physiotherapist, podiatrist or occupational therapist, known as Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report.
When do I start paying Statutory Sick Pay to my nanny or housekeeper?
You are not obligated to pay SSP for the first three consecutive illnesses. The government considers these days as ‘waiting days’, so any salary payment these first three days is a consideration of the employer. Little Ones always advises establishing in the contract if the employer will pay any sick days in total.
The nanny or housekeeper can claim the SSP on the fourth consecutive day of illness for up to 28 weeks.
How much is SSP, and how do I pay it?
The government has established that the SSP is £96.35 per week, but you can agree to give your nanny or housekeeper a different amount of SSP. And this is paid in the same way as you pay your nanny or housekeeper their wages. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
From the point of view of the nanny or housekeeper, if you have more than one job, you can get SSP from each of your employers.
Can I, as an employer, reclaim SSP?
The answer to this question is no; you cannot reclaim any SSP, which will go out directly from the employer’s pocket.
How Little Ones Payroll can help you with Statutory Sick Pay?
If you are using Little Ones Payroll Service or planning to use it, it is vital that you inform us if your employee is in SSP, so we will send you the correct payslip with the proper amount of how much you need to pay your nanny or housekeeper.
Nanny Payroll is free for our clients with recruits
If you have recently hired or are considering hiring a nanny, housekeeper or au pair through Little Ones, your monthly payroll service is completely free for six months from your new employee’s start date. Please note that our weekly payroll service costs £76 per quarter. Please call Little Ones Nanny Payroll team for more information.
Little Ones is an internationally established London nanny agency with two offices in Fitzrovia and Kings Cross.
Our years of experience, dedication and integrity with Payroll services have developed an extensive and constantly expanding network of satisfied clients whose needs and requirements we understand and accommodate to the highest standard.
Little Ones’ team of professional and committed consultants understand the importance of making the best possible match between families and nannies. We know that every family has individual needs and requirements, just as every nanny has unique qualities to offer, and we won’t stop until we are confident that the perfect match has been made.
If you are just starting the process, or are still finding the right Nanny, Housekeeper or Au Pair for your family and would like to know more about our Payroll service, please call Little Ones Nanny Payroll team to talk with our expert consultants on 020 7183 6795.