After six months an employee is entitled to five days sick leave on pay. They are entitled to five days sick leave for every 12 months after that. Sick leave can be taken if the employee is sick or injured or the employee’s spouse or partner is sick or injured or if a person who depends on the employee for care (such as a child or elderley parent) is sick or injured.
Employers must pay employees their relevant daily pay or average daily pay (if applicable) for sick leave.
Employers can request proof of the illness, such as a medical certificate. If the employer asks for proof within the first three days of the sick leave, the employer is responsible for any costs the employee might incur to gain this proof. Employers can’t insist employees visit a particular medical practitioner.