Assumptions and pay data
- These figures are the median from UCEA, The Benefits of Working in HE (2023), for 68 universities with one sick pay policy for all staff, converted from weeks to the nearest half month. They are not your university's scheme: your contract and sickness policy decide your sick pay.
- Most schemes deduct paid sick leave from a recent period, often the last 12 months, before working out what is left.
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerFramework from 1/8/2025
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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. 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
Example at 5 years' service: 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, the sector median, not your university's scheme
| Sector terms (example) | Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much sick pay do university staff get?
It depends on your university's sickness policy. The calculator uses the median from UCEA's 2023 survey of universities with one policy for all staff: 1 month's full pay and 1 month's half pay in your first year, 3 months of each in your second year, 3.5 months of each in your third year, 5.5 months of each in your fourth year and 6 months of each after 4 years.
What if my contract has no sick pay scheme?
Then the legal minimum is Statutory Sick Pay, if you qualify. Most public sector employers pay more, so check your contract first.
Do academic staff get more sick pay?
At some universities. Where a university has separate policies, the median in UCEA's 2023 survey was 12 weeks' full pay and 12 weeks' half pay from the first day for academic staff, and 1 month's full pay and 2 months' half pay for professional services staff. Check which policy covers you.
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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
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.