Temporary Change to SSP Rules

Did you know that guidance on reporting staff absence has temporarily changed?

Previously, employees could only self-certify their absence for the first 7 days of sickness, after which a fit note from their doctor was needed.

Did you know that in December, the government updated its guidance on sickness absence reporting. As a temporary measure, employees who went off sick on or after 10 December 2021, up to and including 26 January 2022, do not need to provide proof of sickness until they have been off for 28 days or more.

This change is in light of the exceptional pressure placed on GPs in managing the booster roll out.

Self-certification forms for absence can be accepted for the first 28 days, after which employers can expect a sick note as normal.

Employees with absences relating to Covid-19 (e.g. those who test positive or are told by NHS Test and Trace to isolate) can still be asked to provide evidence of this via a positive test result confirmation or official isolation request.

The extension of self-certification of absence does not negate your responsibility as an employer to conduct regular absence review meetings; and all other aspects of your absence management process detailed in your Absence Policy should remain as usual. This is only a temporary change to the sickness absence procedure.

For more information, please check out the official GOV.UK guidance here.

Many thanks to Vicky Smith, Chartered FCIPD and Director at Cinnamon HR for supplying this update.

https://www.cinnamonhr.co.uk