Only days which would normally be worked count as 'qualifying days'.
Quote:
"SSP is paid for qualifying days. These are the days that you would normally work for your employer under a contract of employment. However, it is not payable for the first three qualifying days. These days are known as waiting days.
Examples:
If you work Monday to Friday and become sick on a Friday your waiting days will be Friday, Monday and Tuesday. If you continue to be sick, SSP will be paid from Wednesday.
If you work Thursday and Friday and become sick on a Friday your waiting days will be the Friday of the week that you are first sick and the Thursday and Friday of the next week. If you continue to be sick, SSP will only be paid from the Thursday of the following week".
Source:
http://www.direct.gov...llorinjured/DG_175843
Chris