UNITED KINGDOM · Document Templates

SSP / Sick Leave Grievance Letter

Formal grievance letter to your employer contesting unpaid Statutory Sick Pay or mishandled sickness absence.

Preview

[employeeName]
[employeeAddress]

03/07/2026

[employerName]
[employerAddress]

BY EMAIL

Dear Sir or Madam,

FORMAL GRIEVANCE — UNPAID STATUTORY SICK PAY
Employee: [employeeName]    Payroll number: [payrollNumber]
Period of sickness: from [sickStart] to [sickEnd]    Working days per week: [workingDays]

I am raising a formal written grievance under the Acas Code of Practice in relation to non-payment (or under-payment) of Statutory Sick Pay owed to me under sections 151 to 163 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and the associated Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982.

1. ENTITLEMENT
My average weekly earnings for the eight weeks before the Period of Incapacity for Work exceed the Lower Earnings Limit of £123 per week. I was therefore entitled to SSP at the applicable weekly rate (£116.75 for 2024/25) from the fourth qualifying day of my absence, for up to 28 weeks.

2. WHAT HAPPENED
[facts]

3. AMOUNT CLAIMED
   • Sick days taken:               [sickDaysTotal]
   • Waiting days (unpaid):         3
   • Qualifying paid days owed:     [paidDays]
   • Total SSP due:                 £[totalDue]
   • Amount actually paid:          £[amountPaid]
   • Shortfall claimed:             £[shortfall]

4. REMEDY
Please pay the outstanding sum of £[shortfall] in my next salary run and correct my payslip and P60 accordingly. If I have not received payment within fourteen (14) days, I shall complain to HM Revenue & Customs' Statutory Payments Disputes Team under regulation 9 of the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982 for a formal decision.

I also reserve the right to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal for unlawful deduction from wages under Part II of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (three-month deadline).

Please treat this letter as a formal grievance and invite me to a grievance meeting.

Yours faithfully,

[employeeName]

SSP / Sick Leave Grievance Letter is a practical tool built to help individuals, professionals, and small businesses in England & Wales navigate a specific legal or administrative task. Formal grievance letter to your employer contesting unpaid Statutory Sick Pay or mishandled sickness absence.

The generator produces a ready-to-use draft written in the register that courts, opposing counsel, and administrative bodies expect. Fill in the fields, review the output, and send by certified mail for the evidentiary record. This tool does not replace professional advice, but it lets you walk into a mediation, negotiation, or filing prepared and informed.

Every output on this page is anchored to primary sources: statutes, regulations, and official government publications. The Official Sources block further down enumerates the exact citations used, so you can verify the underlying rule against the authority itself.

When to use this tool

▸Preparing a pre-action or pre-litigation matter before engaging counsel.
▸Verifying the deadlines, dollar amounts, or thresholds referenced in a letter you have received.
▸Modeling alternative scenarios (different rates, different dates, different classifications) to evaluate strategy.
▸Drafting supporting documentation for a filing, an insurance claim, or a settlement negotiation.

Methodology & statutory basis

The template applies the formulas and drafting conventions that flow from currently effective UK legislation and appellate authority. The citations appear in the Official Sources section below.

The output is a starting point. English case law leaves discretion to the trial judge, and county-court practice can vary.

Frequently asked questions

Does the output have legal force?

No. It is provided for information only and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. For a binding opinion, consult a licensed practitioner in your jurisdiction.

Are the sources current?

Our editorial team reviews the underlying statutes and regulations periodically. For matters in flux — active rulemaking, pending appellate decisions — verify the citation directly on the government website linked in the Official Sources block below.

Can I use the output in court?

The generated text is a draft. Before filing or serving, have it reviewed by counsel, particularly if it commits you to obligations or waives rights.

How is my data protected?

All calculations and document generation happen in your browser. No data you enter is transmitted or stored on our servers.

This resource is provided by The Legal Reference for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex or contested matters, retain a solicitor licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.

Related tools

Official Sources

Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982legislation.gov.uk HMRC Statutory Payments Disputes TeamGov.uk Employment Rights Act 1996, Part II (unlawful deductions)legislation.gov.uk

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this platform is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Always consult a qualified professional in your jurisdiction.