Law at work 2021 - the trade union guide to employment law (July 2021)

Chapter 4

Paid medical suspension

[ch 4: page 120]

Employees suspended on medical grounds because of a statutory requirement are entitled to medical suspension pay (section 64, ERA 96). This applies if there is a potential danger to health, for example, from lead, rubber, chemicals or radioactive substances. Employees who unreasonably refuse suitable alternative work lose their right to medical suspension pay, which is capped by the statutory “week’s pay” (£544 per week for 2021-22) and lasts up to 26 weeks.

Any ET claim must be brought within three months less one day (section 70, ERA 96). The first step is to submit an Acas EC Notification Form. For more information, see Chapter 14.


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