Quick answer: If arthritis keeps you off work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer, and some employers pay more. Since April 2026, SSP is paid from the first day of sickness and there is no minimum earnings requirement. You can self-certify for the first seven days, then you need a fit note. If your arthritis counts as a disability, your employer must consider reasonable adjustments and treat disability-related absence fairly.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
SSP is the minimum sick pay employers must pay eligible employees who are too ill to work. It is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. Reforms that came into force on 6 April 2026 changed two important things:
- SSP is now paid from the first day of sickness absence, rather than after three unpaid "waiting days".
- There is no longer a minimum earnings requirement, so lower-paid and part-time employees can qualify.
SSP is paid at a set weekly rate or a percentage of your average earnings, whichever is lower. The rate changes each April, so check GOV.UK for the current figure. You usually need to tell your employer you are sick within their deadline, or seven days if they do not have one.
Company sick pay
Many employers offer contractual or company sick pay that is more generous than SSP, for example full pay for a set number of weeks. Check your contract, staff handbook or ask HR. Company sick pay rules must still be applied fairly, and the Equality Act may be relevant if you are disabled.
If you are self-employed or not entitled to SSP
If you are self-employed, or your SSP has run out, you may be able to claim Universal Credit or new-style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), depending on your circumstances. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can also be claimed whether or not you work. See our benefits and PIP hub.
Fit notes
For the first seven days of sickness, including non-working days, you can self-certify. Your employer may ask you to fill in a form. After seven days, you need a fit note (sometimes still called a sick note). Fit notes can be issued by GPs and hospital doctors, and also by nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in the NHS.
A fit note will say either that you are "not fit for work" or that you "may be fit for work" with support. The second option is often very useful with arthritis. The clinician can suggest:
- A phased return, building up hours gradually.
- Amended duties, such as avoiding heavy lifting or long periods of standing.
- Altered hours, such as starting later when morning stiffness is bad.
- Workplace adaptations, such as a different chair or equipment.
Your employer should discuss these suggestions with you. If they cannot accommodate them, the fit note counts as "not fit for work".
Is your arthritis a disability?
Under the Equality Act 2010 (in England, Scotland and Wales), you are disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Many people with arthritis meet this definition, especially inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis that significantly affects daily life. The effect of treatment is ignored when deciding, so if your arthritis would have a substantial effect without medication, it may count. In Northern Ireland, similar protection comes from the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
If you are disabled, your employer must make reasonable adjustments to remove disadvantages you face, and must not treat you unfavourably because of something arising from your disability, such as absence, unless they can justify it. Our guide to working with arthritis covers adjustments in more detail.
Disability-related absence and absence reviews
Many employers use absence triggers, where a certain number of absences leads to a review or warning. For disabled employees, it may be a reasonable adjustment to:
- Record disability-related absence separately.
- Increase the trigger points before formal action.
- Allow disability leave for planned treatment, such as infusions, hospital appointments or recovery from surgery.
If you are invited to an absence meeting, prepare by noting which absences were due to arthritis, what adjustments could help, and any medical evidence. You usually have the right to be accompanied at formal meetings by a colleague or trade union representative. Ask for an occupational health referral if you think it would help your employer understand your condition.
Returning to work after time off
- Keep in touch with your manager during absence, if you feel able, so returning feels less daunting.
- Ask for a return-to-work meeting to agree a plan.
- Request a phased return if your fit note or occupational health suggests one.
- Consider applying to Access to Work, a government scheme that can pay for equipment, support workers or taxi fares to work.
- Plan for flares. Agree in advance what happens if your arthritis flares, such as working from home or adjusted duties.
Our guide to returning to work after a bad flare has practical tips.
Time off for appointments
There is no general legal right to paid time off for medical appointments, but many employers allow it, and for disabled employees it may be a reasonable adjustment. Try to book appointments at times that cause the least disruption, and give notice where possible. Ask your employer about their policy.
Getting help
- Acas offers free, impartial advice on workplace rights and absence.
- Citizens Advice can help with sick pay, benefits and employment problems.
- Trade unions can advise and represent members.
- The Equality Advisory and Support Service helps with discrimination concerns.
If you think you have been treated unfairly, act promptly. There are strict time limits for employment tribunal claims, usually three months less one day from the event, and you normally need to contact Acas for early conciliation first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get sick pay from day one?
Since 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from the first day of sickness absence for eligible employees. Your employer may also offer more generous company sick pay.
Can a physiotherapist give me a fit note?
Yes. As well as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in the NHS can issue fit notes.
Can I be sacked for arthritis-related sickness absence?
Employers must treat disability-related absence fairly and consider reasonable adjustments. Dismissal may still be possible in some circumstances, but it must be justified. Get advice from Acas, Citizens Advice or a union.
What does may be fit for work mean on a fit note?
It means you could work with some support, such as a phased return, amended duties or altered hours. Your employer should discuss this with you.
How long can I get Statutory Sick Pay?
Up to 28 weeks. After that, you may be able to claim Universal Credit or new-style ESA.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay
- GOV.UK: Taking sick leave
- GOV.UK: Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- Acas: Sickness absence
- GOV.UK: Fit note guidance
This guide is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.