My company have not paid me sick pay for my last absence.

When questioned they said that they have gone by the employee handbook which states that Employees are entitled to the following payments for sickness absence: up to one month’s full pay within any rolling twelve month period.

But, my contract says: after 3 months service, at the Directors discretion, if you are absent from work through sickness, you will be entitled to receive your salary (including any statutory sick pay to which you may be entitled) for up to three months within any rolling twelve month period.

I signed my contract, under the statement: I accept the terms and conditions set out in this Contract of Employment and the Company’s Handbook.

Can they impose the company handbook ‘1 month’ over my signed contract ‘3 months?

Thanks for any help!
H P