Do Zero-Hour and Part-Time Workers Have Sick Leave Rights?

Yes — medical certification rules apply to everyone, regardless of contract type. All workers:

● Can self-certify sickness

● Can obtain sick notes

● Are entitled to fair treatment when ill

Pay entitlement is a separate issue.

Do You Still Need a Sick Note?

Yes — rules are identical:

● No sick note for first 7 days

● Required from day 8 if illness continues

Contract type does not change medical requirements.

What About Statutory Sick Pay?

SSP depends on:

● Average earnings

● Employment status

● Duration of illness

Some zero-hour workers qualify; others may not. This does not affect your right to a sick note.

Can Employers Penalise Zero-Hour Workers for Being Sick?

They should not:

● Remove future shifts unfairly

● Discriminate based on sickness

● Demand unnecessary evidence

Patterns of unfair treatment may raise employment law concerns.

Key Takeaways

● Sick note rules apply to all workers

● SSP eligibility varies, not medical rights

● Zero-hour workers are still protected