Research Fellow Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
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What sick pay are you entitled to? This calculator shows contractual sick pay for a Research Fellow by length of service: full pay and half pay periods. Based on your sector's terms; always check your employer's policy.
Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: Higher Education pay (UK national spine). Illustrative UK HE pay spine; refreshed for 2025/26-style levels. Institutions apply local mapping and contribution points. Check UCU or your employer.
- Contractual sick pay depends on length of continuous service. We show full pay and half pay periods by service band based on your sector's terms.
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually part of (not on top of) occupational pay. After contractual sick pay ends, SSP may apply for up to 28 weeks if eligible.
- Always check your employer's policy, fit-note requirements and any rolling period rules.
Guide for Research Fellow
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for Research Fellow under Higher Education pay (UK national spine) at Higher Education. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for Research Fellow
As Research Fellow at Higher Education, occupational sick pay usually follows Higher Education. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 6 months on full pay and 6 months on half pay in a rolling period, before statutory rules apply. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Sector terms (example) | Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
You'll see:
- Contractual sick pay by length of service
- Full pay and half pay periods
- How it compares to Statutory Sick Pay
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Frequently asked questions
What does this sick pay calculator do?
It shows your contractual (occupational) sick pay entitlement by length of service, based on your sector's terms. You enter years of service; we show how many months of full pay and half pay you're entitled to. This is on top of or combined with Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Is this the same as Statutory Sick Pay?
No. SSP is the legal minimum (from day 4, for up to 28 weeks). Many public sector employers offer more: full pay and half pay for a period depending on service. We show the contractual entitlement; SSP is usually part of (not on top of) that pay.
Why does my entitlement depend on service?
Most public sector sick pay schemes increase with length of continuous service (e.g. 1 month full + 2 months half in year 1, up to 6 months full + 6 months half after 5 years). Your employer's policy may also have a rolling period (e.g. 4 years).
Do I need a fit note?
Usually self-certification is allowed for the first 7 days; after that a fit note from a doctor is typically required. Rules vary by employer. We don't model that; we only show the pay entitlement.
What is a rolling period?
Some employers use a rolling period (e.g. 4 years): your entitlement is based on how much full pay and half pay you've already used in that window. We show the maximum entitlement by service; your employer can confirm how the rolling period works.
As a Research Fellow, is my scheme exactly like this?
We use sector-wide terms (e.g. NHS AfC, NJC, Civil Service). Your employer may have local variations or different qualifying rules. Use this as a guide and check your contract or HR.
What happens after full and half pay end?
After contractual sick pay ends, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks if you meet the eligibility rules. Some employers have different arrangements; check your policy.
Are these figures official?
No. They are based on published sector terms. Employer policies and rolling periods vary. Always check your employer for definitive entitlement.
Do you store my information?
No. All inputs and results stay in your browser. We do not collect personal data.
Why do I see different full pay and half pay months by service?
Sector schemes typically give more entitlement the longer you've been in service (e.g. 1–2 years vs 5+ years). We look up your sector's rules and show the band that matches your years of service.
About this role
What is a Research Fellow?
A Research Fellow conducts research, often on fixed-term contracts, in a university or institute. They may teach. Pay is on the HE research or academic spine.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Research fellowship offers focus on research and collaboration. Pay and conditions depend on grant and institution. Progression to permanent lecturer or senior fellow is common.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.