SPM50505 - Medical Referrals - Incapacity for work

Control action for SSP and doubtful incapacity

Control of sickness absence is the responsibility of employers. However, if they do not have their own company doctor, they may ask HMRC to get an opinion from Medical Services, if:

• the employee has been absent from work for longer than the employer feels is necessary
• the employee is frequently absent due to illness for periods between four and seven days, and has had four or more self-certified absences in 12 months,

An employee may ask for a decision on whether they are entitled to SSP if their employer refuses to accept that they are unfit for work due to incapacity. The caseworker or Nominated Officer at the SPDT office will normally need to refer the case for medical advice before deciding whether or not the employer should be paying SSP.