UKGC Staff Sick Pay: 6 Months Full Pay

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Regulator's Sick Pay Policy Disclosed

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed the details of the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) internal sickness policy for its employees. The disclosure shows that permanent and fixed-term staff at the regulatory body are entitled to up to six months of sick leave on full pay, followed by a further six months on half pay.

The data was released following a request dated 18 July 2025, which asked for copies of all current sick pay policies, including details on eligibility, pay rates, and duration. The Commission provided a full disclosure, extracting key sections from its Sickness and Absence policy document.

Why This Matters

As the organisation responsible for regulating the UK's gambling industry and protecting consumers, the UKGC's internal operations and employee welfare standards are of public interest. A robust sick pay policy can be indicative of a stable workforce, which is essential for maintaining the complex and high-pressure work of regulatory oversight. These policies ensure the regulator can retain experienced staff, promoting consistency in its mission to make gambling safer.

Breakdown of the Policy

The FOI response outlines a multi-tiered system for employee sick pay:

• Probationary Period: New employees are only entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) during their contractual probation.
• Occupational Sick Pay: After successfully completing probation, employees are eligible for the Commission's occupational scheme.
• Entitlement: This provides for up to six months of full pay, followed by a potential six months of half pay. This is calculated on a rolling 12-month basis.
• Extended Pay: In certain circumstances, the UKGC may grant a further 12 months of sick pay at a 'Pension Rate' (SPPR). This is conditional on medical evidence showing a reasonable prospect of recovery.
• Management Discretion: The policy notes that the scheme does not have to be fully exhausted before decisions are made about managing an employee's absence, which can include the termination of employment.

The policy applies to both permanent and fixed-term employees, with provisions for part-time staff to be paid on a pro-rata basis. The response did not specify the arrangements for agency or casual workers, which were included in the original request.

Industry Significance

The full disclosure of this policy demonstrates a commitment to transparency regarding the Commission's internal governance. The terms of the sick pay scheme are considerably more generous than the statutory minimum required of UK employers, setting a high benchmark for employee welfare within the public sector and the wider industry it regulates. By investing in staff well-being, the UKGC aims to ensure its team remains effective and resilient in its duty to oversee the gambling market and protect consumers.