How usual is it for a company not to offer sick pay?

[whatnosickpay]

I've name changed in case any of DH's colleagues MN.

He works in a professional job for a small firm, been there 16 months, not a temp or a contractor.

The 'no sick pay' clause was in his contract, we noticed it but tbh thought it was a dicretionary thing to stop people taking the piss with absence.

But after his first ever sick day, he was docked a days pay.

Is this normal at all? I work in much lowlier jobs than DH, and have always had sick pay. The money was a real chunk out of our (tiny) disposable income

check out this information

SSP only applies after 4 days absence I'm afraid.

Sadly, it's becoming increasingly common as more and more employees take the piss with 'stress' and 'bad back' absences (Just to be clear, not knocking those with genuine illnesses at all. I'm knocking those people who fake it because they fancy a break, or don't want to face the boss about misconduct allegations or whatever. It hurts everyone, especially those who have the illness for real).

It's mighty harsh for the first day of absence in over a year though. Most places show a bit of discretion for at least a few days per year.