Apprenticeship statutory sick pay?

[williamsbold]

Good afternoon all, and hello, my first thread.

I write on behalf of my partner. She is three weeks away from completing her first year as an apprentice nursery nurse. However, she has been off work due to sickness for the last 6 weeks, and will not see our this term, hoping to be back for the new September term.

From day one of the sickness she has been assured she will receive full SSP, we found out on Friday this was not the case, receive just £39 for a months wage.

She has spoken to all those needed working for her employer, and been informed she is not eligible for SSP due to her wage, she receives £117 per week, working out as being £1 short of the criteria of £118 for national insurance contributions, and deeming her ineligible for SSP. I ask, surely there is some kinda of dispensation or provision for those working on an apprenticeship? They go in to this work understanding for a year they’ll earn much less than years to follow, but aren’t eligible for any form of sick pay if they become ill/or are injured, is this correct? I do hope we have someone here able to assist at all.

Kind regards

John

[ULA]

If your partner has not earned on average £118 per week then unfortunately she will not be entitled to SSP and I am not aware of any leeway for being on an apprenticeship scheme. What her employer can provide an SSP1 form which states why they cannot pay SSP and she may qualify for Employment & Support Allowance (ESA).

https://www.gov.uk/employment-suppor...ce/eligibility

Hope that helps.