Medical suspension pay

Employees suspended on medical grounds because of a statutory requirement are entitled to medical suspension pay (section 64, ERA 96). This applies where there is a potential danger to their health, for example, from lead, rubber, chemicals or radioactive substances.

Employees who unreasonably refuse suitable alternative work lose their right to medical suspension pay. Statutory medical suspension pay is capped by the statutory “week’s pay” (£464 per week for 2014-15) and lasts up to 26 weeks.

Any tribunal claim must be brought within three months (section 70, ERA 96). From 6 May 2014, the first step of any claim is to contact Acas for early conciliation. This step must be taken before the three-month time limit has run out. See Chapter 1 for information on Acas early conciliation.