Hourly Sick Pay: Full Pay vs Reduced Pay
Compare full-rate and reduced-rate hourly sick pay calculations, including the effect of unpaid sick hours on gross pay estimates.
Hourly sick pay estimates can differ because a policy may pay all eligible hours at full rate, pay them at a reduced percentage, or exclude some hours entirely. These comparisons show how the same calculation inputs affect the gross estimate.
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About Hourly Sick Pay: Full Pay vs Reduced Pay
Hourly sick pay estimates can differ because a policy may pay all eligible hours at full rate, pay them at a reduced percentage, or exclude some hours entirely. These comparisons show how the same calculation inputs affect the gross estimate.
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Key Factors
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Full pay versus 80% pay for the same absence
A comparison where all sick hours are eligible but the paid sick leave percentage differs.
| Factor | Option A: 100% Sick Pay | Option B: 80% Sick Pay | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate used | Normal hourly rate | Normal hourly rate | Both methods start with the employee's normal gross hourly rate. |
| Eligible sick hours | All eligible hours paid | All eligible hours paid | There are no unpaid hours in this comparison. |
| Percentage applied | 100% of normal pay | 80% of normal pay | Full pay produces a higher gross amount for the same eligible hours. |
| Example at £20 for 16 hours | £320.00 | £256.00 | The £64.00 difference comes solely from the percentage applied. |
| Difference from normal pay | £0.00 | £64.00 | Only the reduced-rate option produces a shortfall against normal pay. |
When hours and hourly rate are unchanged, the paid sick leave percentage directly determines the estimated gross sick pay.
All hours paid versus unpaid waiting-period hours
A comparison where the rate stays at 100% but some sick hours are excluded before pay is calculated.
| Factor | Option A: No Unpaid Hours | Option B: 8 Unpaid Hours | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total sick hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | The recorded sickness absence is the same in both options. |
| Eligible paid hours | 24 hours | 16 hours | The unpaid-hour option removes 8 hours from the paid calculation. |
| Hourly rate | £18.00 | £18.00 | Both use the same normal hourly rate. |
| Sick pay percentage | 100% | 100% | The percentage is unchanged; the paid-hours total drives the difference. |
| Estimated gross sick pay | £432.00 | £288.00 | Eight unpaid hours reduce the estimate by £144.00. |
| Difference from normal pay | £0.00 | £144.00 | The difference reflects the normal value of the unpaid hours. |
Unpaid sick hours are removed before the rate is applied, even when eligible hours are paid at 100%.
Reduced percentage versus fewer eligible hours
A comparison of two ways an estimate can fall below the normal pay value.
| Factor | Option A: 50% Pay for All Hours | Option B: 100% Pay After Unpaid Hours | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total sick hours | 20 hours | 20 hours | Both examples begin with the same recorded absence. |
| Eligible paid hours | 20 hours | 10 hours | The first option retains all hours as eligible. |
| Paid percentage | 50% | 100% | The second option pays remaining eligible hours at the normal rate. |
| Example at £24 per hour | £240.00 | £240.00 | £24 × 20 × 50% and £24 × 10 × 100% produce the same gross estimate. |
| Reason for lower pay | Reduced rate | Fewer paid hours | The same amount can result from different policy mechanics. |
A reduced percentage and unpaid hours can produce the same gross estimate, but they should be recorded correctly because they represent different payroll inputs.
Key Differences at a Glance
The sick pay percentage changes the amount paid for each eligible hour.
Unpaid sick hours reduce the number of hours included in the calculation.
Full pay for eligible hours does not necessarily mean every recorded sick hour is paid.
A similar gross result can arise from a reduced percentage or from fewer eligible paid hours.
The calculator's normal pay comparison includes all entered sick hours at the normal hourly rate.
How to Decide
Assumptions
- The comparisons use one hourly rate for all hours in each scenario.
- The selected paid sick leave percentage is assumed to apply consistently to eligible hours.
- Amounts are gross estimates before deductions.
- No statutory rules, caps, enhanced pay elements, or payroll rounding rules are applied automatically.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reduced sick pay the same as unpaid sick leave?
No. Reduced sick pay pays eligible hours at less than the normal rate, while unpaid sick leave removes hours from the paid calculation.
Can 50% pay and unpaid hours give the same result?
Yes. For example, half pay on all hours can equal full pay on half the hours, but the payroll inputs represent different circumstances.
Why compare sick pay with normal pay?
The comparison shows the estimated gross reduction relative to paying every recorded sick hour at the normal hourly rate.
Which option should be entered in the calculator?
Use the percentage and unpaid hours that reflect the applicable policy and payroll records; the calculator does not choose them.
Ready to calculate your result?
Try the calculator and compare options with your own inputs.