Falling ill
If you are away from work due to illness, your employer will continue to
pay you while you are absent within certain limits that are set out in your
terms and conditions of employment. These limits will vary from department
to department but here is a general guide.
First six months full pay
You cannot have more than six months’ sick absence on full pay in any
12-month period.
Next six months half pay
You cannot have more than 12 months’ sick absence on half pay in a
four-year period.
Followed by Sick pay at pension rate
This means that you are paid the same amount as you would get if you
retired because of ill health. Each employer has their own rules on when
and if sick pay at pension rate is paid. Contact your HR team for further information.
Retiring through ill health
If your health is so poor that you cannot continue working, you or your
employer may suggest that you retire. Information is provided under the
following headings regarding benefits under each of the schemes:
You may be eligible for help from the State while you are too ill to work.
For more information, visit the Department for Work and Pensions website at
www.dwp.gov.uk [External
website].
