I don’t have to pay SSP do I?

Well, it’s not optional if that’s what you’re thinking.

Whether or not you have to pay it depends on only two things:

(A) Do they earn more than the threshold which for 2012/2013 is £107/week

and

(B) Have they been off for at least 4 days in a row.

You might be surprised to know that staff are entitled to SSP as soon as they start working for you.