Is SSP Really the Only Money I Am Entitled To After a Workplace Accident?

No. Three distinct financial routes exist for an injured worker. First, Statutory Sick Pay at £123.25 per week for up to 28 weeks. Second, a personal injury compensation claim against the employer's Employers' Liability insurer, which recovers the full difference between SSP and your normal net wage plus all other losses. Third, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions — a tax-free, non-means-tested weekly benefit for employed workers whose workplace accident results in assessed disablement of 14% or more. All three can be claimed simultaneously.

Can I Get Back Every Pound I Have Lost — Not Just the SSP I Have Been Paid?

Yes. A successful personal injury claim recovers the full difference between SSP received and the normal net weekly wage for every week of absence. If the normal net wage was £450 per week and SSP paid £123.25, the weekly shortfall is £326.75 — worth £3,921 over 12 weeks and £8,495.50 over 26 weeks. Compensation also covers future lost earnings, treatment costs, travel, care, and general damages for pain and suffering assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines 18th edition (April 2026).

What Actually Happens If I Pick Up the Phone to Carter and Carter Solicitors?

Call Carter and Carter Solicitors on 0800 652 0586. David Healey, Senior Solicitor qualified in 2005, takes the call personally. The first conversation assesses whether the employer was negligent, what has been lost financially, and what evidence exists. Where prospects are sound, a No Win No Fee agreement is offered at a published fee of 10% for claims settling without court proceedings. David then manages the claim from instruction to settlement, gathering evidence, sending the Letter of Claim to the employer's insurer, and negotiating the full recovery of every recoverable loss.

How much is Statutory Sick Pay after a work accident in 2026?

Statutory Sick Pay is £123.25 per week in 2026/27, effective from 6 April 2026. It is paid by the employer for up to 28 weeks, from the first day of sickness absence. A compensation claim can recover the full difference between SSP and your normal wage.

Can I claim compensation for lost wages after a work accident near me?

Yes. Carter and Carter Solicitors handles workplace accident pay claims for clients across England and Wales on a No Win No Fee basis with a published fee of 10%. Call 0800 652 0586. All claims are managed remotely — you do not need to visit the office.

Can I claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit after a work accident?

Yes. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is available to employed workers whose workplace accident results in an assessed disablement of 14% or more. It is tax-free, non-means-tested, and can be claimed alongside a personal injury compensation claim. It is not restricted to industrial diseases — accidents qualify.

do I get paid if I have an accident at work?

Q: If a Workplace Accident Has Left You on Sick Pay, Can You Recover Your Full Lost Earnings?

Yes. If a workplace accident has left you on Statutory Sick Pay, you may be able to recover your full lost earnings through a personal injury compensation claim against your employer's Employers' Liability insurer. SSP pays only £123.25 per week in 2026/27. A successful compensation claim recovers the full difference between SSP and your normal net weekly wage for every week of absence, plus general damages for pain and suffering and any treatment costs.

Q: My Employer Caused This — So Why Am I the One Stuck on £123 a Week?

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, your employer carries a legal duty to maintain safe working conditions. Where that duty is breached and you are injured, you have the legal right to compensation. That compensation comes from your employer's Employers' Liability insurance — a completely separate source from the SSP your employer pays from their own payroll under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. SSP is the statutory minimum. Compensation from the insurer closes the gap. These are two different pockets and you can reach into both.

Q: I Have Been Off Work for Weeks. What Do I Actually Need to Make a Claim?

Two evidence trails are required. The accident trail includes the employer's accident book entry required under RIDDOR 2013, photographs of the hazard, and witness contact details. The financial trail includes three months of payslips to establish the baseline net weekly wage, the employment contract sick pay clause, and fit notes from a GP, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist for absences over seven consecutive days. The Employment Rights Act 1996 protects workers from dismissal for bringing a claim.

Q: What is Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and can I claim it after a work accident?

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a weekly, tax-free, non-means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions. It covers employed workers whose workplace accident results in an assessed disablement of 14% or more. It is not restricted to industrial diseases — accidents at work qualify. No proof of employer negligence is needed. IIDB can be claimed alongside SSP and alongside a personal injury compensation claim under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.

Home > Claiming Compensation > Personal Injury > Accident at Work Claims > Do I Get Paid If I Have an Accident at Work?

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If a Workplace Accident Has Left You on Sick Pay, Can You Recover Your Full Lost Earnings?

Workplace accident pay claims — what you need to know:

Most injured workers receive only Statutory Sick Pay — not their full wage — while off work.
SSP pays £123.25 per week in 2026/27, far below the average UK wage.
Carter and Carter Solicitors charges 10% on claims settled without court proceedings.
A compensation claim for lost earnings must be started within three years of the accident.
Key evidence: payslips, employment contract, fit notes, and the accident book record.

Key Facts: Pay Rights After a Workplace Accident

💷

SSP Rate 2026/27

£123.25 per week. Paid by the employer. Not the government. This is the statutory minimum.

GOV.UK (6 April 2026)

📅

Maximum SSP Duration

Up to 28 weeks. SSP is now payable from the first day of sickness absence. The previous three waiting days were abolished on 6 April 2026.

Employment Rights Act 2025

📋

SSP Eligibility

Available to all employees from the first day of work. No minimum earnings threshold from 6 April 2026. Self-employed do not qualify.

GOV.UK (2026/27)

⚖️

Right to Compensation

Where employer negligence caused the injury, the worker already has the legal right to claim.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

⏰

Time Limit to Claim

Three years from the date of the accident. Miss the deadline and the right to claim is lost.

Limitation Act 1980

🏭

Scale of the Problem

604,000 workers suffered non-fatal injuries at work in Great Britain in 2023/24.

HSE, 2024

We Act for Clients Across England and Wales

Based in Whaley Bridge on the edge of the Peak District, Carter & Carter handles workplace accident claims for clients across England and Wales. Every claim is managed remotely by phone, email, and post. You do not need to visit the office. Call 0800 652 0586 to speak directly with Chris or David.

604,000

Non-fatal injuries at work in 2023/24
HSE, 2024

£123.25

SSP per week in 2026/27 — the legal minimum
GOV.UK

3 Years

Time limit to start a compensation claim
Limitation Act 1980

My Employer Caused This — So Why Am I the One Stuck on £123 a Week?

The pay slip arrives and the number is wrong. Not your wage. Something far smaller — while the mortgage still goes out, the bills still arrive, and the injury that stopped you working was caused by your employer’s failure to keep the workplace safe.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, every employer carries a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. Where that duty is breached and someone is injured, the injured worker has the legal right to compensation. And that compensation does not come from the same place as your SSP. It never did.

💼

Pocket 1: SSP

Paid by your employer from their own funds. Required by law under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. The statutory floor — £123.25/week.

Not generosity. A legal minimum.

🏦

Pocket 2: Compensation

Paid by your employer’s Employers’ Liability insurer — a separate fund they are legally required to hold under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.

A completely different source. Claimable simultaneously.

“SSP is the floor. Compensation is the mechanism that closes the gap. They come from two different pockets — and you can reach into both.”

Is SSP Really the Only Money I’m Entitled To? (It Isn’t)

Three distinct financial routes exist for an injured worker. They are not mutually exclusive. Most people know about one of them.

Route 1

Statutory Sick Pay

£123.25/week. Paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. Payable from the first day of sickness absence under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The floor — not the ceiling.

Route 2

Compensation Claim

A personal injury claim against the employer’s insurer that recovers the full difference between SSP and your normal net weekly wage — plus all other losses the injury caused.

Closes the gap completely.

Route 3 — Often Overlooked

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

A weekly, tax-free, no-fault benefit from the DWP for employed workers whose workplace accident results in assessed disablement of 14%+. Not just for diseases. Accidents qualify. Claimable alongside SSP and your compensation.

Three sources. Not two.

Also check your employment contract. Some contracts provide contractual sick pay above SSP — full pay or partial pay for a set period. This is the first practical step and takes five minutes to confirm.

Peter Newman

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“David Healey from provided me with nothing but exceptional service. He was efficient, supportive, clear and achieved fantastic compensation for me extremely quickly. I would highly recommend Carter & Carter and I am very grateful for all of David’s hard work on my behalf.”

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I’ve Been Off Work for Weeks. What Do I Actually Need to Make a Claim?

Two evidence trails. Most of it is gathered by the solicitor. The first step requires nothing more than a phone call.

🗂️ The Accident Trail

What establishes the incident

Accident book entry (required under RIDDOR 2013)
Photographs of the hazard or scene
Witness names and contact details
Any HSE notification (if RIDDOR-reportable)
Correspondence with the employer about the accident

💰 The Financial Trail

What establishes the loss

Last 3 months’ payslips (baseline net wage)
Employment contract — sick pay clause
Fit notes from GP, physio, OT, or nurse
Treatment receipts and prescription costs
Record of all time off work

Important: Your Job Is Protected

The Employment Rights Act 1996 makes it automatically unfair to dismiss or disadvantage a worker for bringing a health and safety related claim. This protection applies from day one of employment — no qualifying period required.

The four steps — in order:

Report

Get the accident into the accident book today.

Obtain

Get a fit note from your GP for 7+ days off work.

Gather

Locate 3 months of payslips and your contract’s sick pay terms.

Call

0800 652 0586 — David assesses the claim personally, free.

Tor Rezon

★★★★★

“I cannot recommend this legal organisation enough. Their dedication to helping their clients is truly outstanding. From the moment I reached out to them, they were attentive and empathetic, taking the time to understand my situation and the impact it had on me. Dave was a true professional, providing me with clear and concise advice throughout the entire process. He ensured that I was fully informed and comfortable with the steps being taken, and his expertise ultimately resulted in a successful outcome. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of this legal organisation, I was able to receive the compensation I deserved. Their expertise and support made a difficult situation much easier to navigate, and I am truly grateful for their efforts. If you are looking for a legal organisation that is compassionate, knowledgeable and committed to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients, then look no further. I cannot recommend this organisation highly enough.”

Can I Get Back Every Pound I’ve Lost — Not Just the SSP I’ve Been Paid?

A successful personal injury claim recovers the financial position the injury destroyed. Every recoverable head of loss is identified and claimed. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Illustrative Example — Lost Earnings Recovery

How the weekly shortfall is calculated and recovered

£450

Typical net weekly wage before accident

£123.25

SSP received per week during absence

£326.75

Weekly shortfall — recoverable through a successful claim

Over 12 weeks of absence: £3,921 in lost earnings alone — recoverable in full. Over 26 weeks: £8,495.50. Calculations use actual payslip figures, not estimates.

Special Damages

The financial losses caused by the injury — calculated from actual figures and receipts:

Past lost earnings (SSP shortfall)
Future lost earnings (where capacity is affected)
Treatment and prescription costs
Travel to medical appointments
Care provided by a family member

General Damages

Compensation for the physical and psychological impact of the injury itself:

Pain and suffering
Loss of amenity (activities no longer possible)
Psychological impact
Assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (April 2026)

Fee transparency: Carter and Carter Solicitors publishes its fee before any agreement is signed. 10% where the claim settles without court proceedings. 25% where proceedings are required. Full details at /why-work-with-us/. No hidden deductions. No surprises at the end.

What Actually Happens If I Pick Up the Phone?

The call is free. It commits you to nothing. David Healey, Senior Solicitor, qualified in 2005, takes the call personally — not a handler, not a paralegal, not a team that passes notes on. He assesses three things: whether the employer was negligent, what has been lost, and what evidence exists. He gives a straight answer. If the prospects are not there, he says so.

Step 1

Free Assessment

David Healey takes the call. Negligence, financial losses, and existing evidence reviewed. A straight answer given. No Win No Fee agreement offered at 10% where prospects are sound.

Step 2

Evidence Gathered

Accident book, payslips, fit notes, employment contract, and witness details collected. Where interim financial support is needed, an application to the insurer is considered.

Step 3

Letter of Claim Sent

Formal Letter of Claim sent to the employer’s Employers’ Liability insurer. Liability is investigated. An admission or dispute follows.

Step 4

Settlement Negotiated

David Healey negotiates for the full recovery of every recoverable loss — past earnings, future capacity, treatment costs, pain and suffering. One solicitor, start to finish.

Call David Healey — He Takes the Call Personally

Free assessment. No obligation. A straight answer about whether your claim has prospects.

0800 652 0586

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Liz Mills

★★★★★

“I came accros Chris and his team a while after I had given up. TV companies dissed me!! Local solicitor on a free 1/2 hour put her nose in the air and said I was totally wrong. No claim seen. Then a while later I had a call from Chris. HE LISTENED TO MY TALE OF WOE. I sent him the paper work which was not all that good. The compamy we were dealing with were notoriously difficult to crack. Chris did that slowly but patiently peeling away the problems and ptotested AND GOT TO END. A fair claim. As a 71 year old that meant closeure. A great relief I was able to have a few treats. BUT MOSTLY I FELT IT WAS A FAIR DEAL WHICH HAD REQUIRED DEDICATION. I WAS IMMENSLY PLEASED WITH CHRIS and ALL THE STAFF I SPOKE WITH. So much so I have requested the firm deal with two other legal problema I have. LIZ Cat Lady”

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026/27?

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is £123.25 per week in 2026/27, effective from 6 April 2026. The employer pays it — not the government. Following the Employment Rights Act 2025, SSP is now payable from the first day of sickness absence — the previous three waiting days have been abolished. There is no longer a minimum earnings requirement to qualify. SSP is taxable and can be paid for up to 28 weeks. The employer must be notified within their deadline or within 7 days. (Source: GOV.UK)

Am I eligible for SSP if my accident at work was partly my fault?

SSP eligibility has nothing to do with fault. The Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 entitles any qualifying employee to SSP regardless of how the accident happened. The eligibility tests are: employment status and notification to the employer within the required timeframe. The minimum earnings threshold was abolished on 6 April 2026. A personal injury claim does require establishing employer negligence — but partial fault on the worker’s part does not automatically defeat it. It may reduce compensation by a percentage. The claim can still succeed.

Can my employer refuse to pay Statutory Sick Pay after a workplace injury?

Not if the employee is eligible. Where an employer disputes eligibility, they are required to give written reasons using the SSP1 form within seven days of the absence starting. The employee can then refer the dispute to HMRC’s Statutory Payment Dispute Team. If the employer refuses SSP without a lawful basis, the employee has the right to challenge that through HMRC. Where the reasoning is unclear or appears wrong, a solicitor specialising in employment law can advise quickly on the options.

What is Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and can I claim it after a work accident?

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is a weekly, tax-free, non-means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It covers employed workers whose workplace accident results in an assessed disablement of 14% or more. It is not restricted to industrial diseases — accidents at work qualify. No proof of employer negligence is needed. IIDB can be claimed alongside SSP and alongside a personal injury compensation claim. (Source: GOV.UK — Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992)

Will making a compensation claim affect my job?

The Employment Rights Act 1996 makes it automatically unfair to dismiss an employee, or subject them to any detriment, because they brought a health and safety related claim. The protection applies from the first day of employment — no qualifying service period, no exceptions for smaller employers. An employer who dismisses a worker for making a legitimate personal injury claim faces an automatic unfair dismissal claim at Employment Tribunal. The concern is understandable. But the protection is real and enforceable.

What are the steps to claim compensation after an accident at work?

1. Report the accident — ensure it is in the accident book today if not already done. 2. Obtain a fit note from a GP for absences exceeding seven consecutive days. 3. Preserve three months of payslips, your sick pay clause, and any photographs or witness details. 4. Call Carter and Carter Solicitors on 0800 652 0586 for a free, no-obligation assessment — David Healey advises personally. 5. A Letter of Claim is sent to the employer’s Employers’ Liability insurer and the claim progresses to settlement.

Do I have to come to your office in Derbyshire?

No. Carter & Carter handles all claims remotely by phone, email, and post. The head office is in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, but clients across England and Wales never need to visit. Home visits can be arranged if preferred. Call 0800 652 0586 to speak directly with Chris or David.

Workplace Accident Pay Claim Solicitors Serving Clients Across England and Wales

Carter & Carter’s head office is in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District. The firm handles workplace accident claims for clients across England and Wales. Every claim is managed remotely. You do not need to travel to the office.

Most personal injury claims in England and Wales are now issued centrally and online through His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Where a case does proceed to a hearing, it is referred to an appropriate county court hearing centre. The process is the same for a client in London as it is for a client in Manchester — handled remotely throughout by Carter and Carter Solicitors.

Two senior solicitors. Chris Carter, qualified in 1993. David Healey, qualified in 2005. 54 years of combined personal injury experience. 33 years of doing four things properly, wherever you are based.

Carter & Carter Solicitors is a specialist personal injury practice serving clients across England and Wales from its head office in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire. Founded in 2007, the firm handles four types of claim: workplace accidents, food allergy reactions, needlestick injuries, and slips and trips in public places. Chris Carter, Managing Solicitor, qualified in 1993 and brings 33 years of personal injury experience. David Healey, Senior Solicitor, qualified in 2005 and brings 21 years. The firm operates on a No Win No Fee basis with a published fee of 10% when claims settle without issuing court proceedings. Carter & Carter holds 250 verified five-star Google reviews and is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

YOUR CLAIM, OUR PRIORITY

Meet Your Solicitor

David Healey

Senior Solicitor, qualified 2005

David Healey has worked in the legal profession since 1999 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005. He specialises in personal injury claims across England and Wales, with particular expertise in workplace accident claims and the recovery of financial losses — lost earnings, treatment costs, and every other head of damage the injury has caused. He knows where the employer’s insurers push back, and he knows how to push back harder.

He handles every claim personally from first instruction to final settlement. No handoffs. No case handlers. His direct number and email are given from day one.

Direct access from day one. No handoffs. No case handlers.

0800 652 0586 | dhealey@candcsolicitors.co.uk

Meet the Author

David Healey — Senior Solicitor

David Healey has worked in the legal profession since 1999 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005. He specialises in personal injury law and handles workplace accident claims for clients across England and Wales. He takes every call personally, assesses every claim himself, and manages every file from instruction to settlement. To learn more, visit candcsolicitors.co.uk/about-us/ or call David on 0800 652 0586.

Last updated: April 2026

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