Do You Feel Too Sick To Work?

Whether you’re experiencing mental health issues, a chronic illness or maybe a stomach bug, there are instances in life when you’re just too sick to work. The extra stress of worrying about your regular income as you’re unwell may cause you to feel a lot worse, but there is plenty of financial aid that is available to you. Read on with Cashfloat to find out.

When are You Too Sick To Work?

A recent study from the Canada Life Group Insurance showed that nearly a quarter (23%) of UK employees, that is approximately seven million people say that they would only take some time off work if they would be hospitalised or had no other option.

The research indicates a worrying attitude towards taking time off for illness. The study shows that eight in ten UK employees come to work despite feeling sick. This highlights how essential is it that employees know their rights in regards to illness and ill pay.

Why are There Emotional Health Problems in the Office?

Stress is reaching worryingly high levels across the UK. This has come along with the understanding that one in four people will suffer from mental illness at some time in their lives. Therefore, it is vital you understand what to do if you need some time out, either emotionally or physically.

The Telegraph recently demonstrated that “one in three “sick notes” handed out by GPs are currently for mental health issues”. It also highlights new information that reveals over 5 million individuals are being signed off work annually for these issues. Being unable to work has made it financially hard for many people, and requiring them to get quick cheap loans from direct lenders.

Calling In Sick To Work

There’s a major difference between taking a few days off as you recuperate from a stomach bug and being signed off from work for a longer time by a physician. If you’re experiencing a bad cold or a stomach virus, then it is a good idea to stay home and rest. You will also be stopping germs from spreading through the workplace. Depending upon your company policy you generally must notify your supervisor or HR department by a certain time in the day to let them know you won’t be coming in. This is so that it counts as a sick day. Your business may ask what’s wrong and how long you expect to be off ill. You should take this chance to inform them about any work that needs to be done when you aren’t there.

Employers typically ask workers to fill in a ‘self-certification’ form when they come back to work. This is to confirm they have been off ill for up to seven days.

What do You Need if You’re Off Sick For More Than Seven Days?

You should give your employer a physician’s ‘fit note’ (sometimes referred to as a ‘sick note’) if you are off sick for more than seven days in a row. The match note will state if you’re ‘not fit for work’ or ‘might be fit for work’.

Claiming sick pay from the employer

If you’re off work because of illness then, based on your employer and their company policy, you might choose to claim sick pay from them or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the government. You can get SSP for up to 28 weeks if:

• You are employed – but not able to work.
• Your typical earnings in the 2 weeks before you ceased working were £113 per week.

The present rate for SSP is £89.35 per week. This is paid by your company the same way as they would pay your salary. Instead, some companies have much more generous sick pay schemes and others will evaluate the situation on a case by case basis. Check the conditions of your contract or the staff handbook to learn what’s available.

What are your Sick Pay Benefits and Entitlements?

You may be too sick to work and do not have any income, or a reduced income through SSP or your company sick pay scheme. Therefore, you might find it tough to pay your routine bills, especially your rent and home bills. There is a lot of Government support available for those that need it. Therefore it is well worth spending some time exploring the internet or visiting Citizens Advice.

The Money Advice Service is a Helpful source for finding out everything you’re possibly eligible for such as:

• Tax credits for topping up your income
• Housing Benefit or Universal Credit for essential costs
• Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit to replace your earnings
• Personal Independence Payment to help with the additional costs of being disabled or having a chronic illness

Your Insurance Coverages

You might have an existing insurance policy which covers mortgage payments when you are too sick to work, or allows you to claim for your loss of earnings. Check your present policies – the kind of cover to look for is critical illness insurance, income protection insurance, and mortgage protection insurance and make sure you file your claim as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Being sick is hard enough, it shouldn’t make you unable to pay your bills on time. It’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with your companies policies regarding sick days. It might be an idea to have money put away for these kinds of situations. Thi is because even though you may be able to claim money back for being ill, it can take time until you get your money. You should never have to resort to taking out any kind of short term finance as a result of being not able to work.