As of April 2026, there have been significant changes to the statutory sick pay system in the UK These changes aim to provide better support and protection for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury In this article, we will discuss the key updates to statutory sick pay and how they may impact both employers and employees.
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are too unwell to work It is a legal requirement to pay SSP to eligible employees, and the amount paid is set by the government In April 2026, the government has introduced several changes to SSP to better support those who are off work due to illness.
One of the most significant changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate Previously, the standard rate of SSP was £94.25 per week However, this has been increased to £100 per week from April 2026 This increase aims to provide employees with a more adequate level of financial support while they are off work due to illness.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate, there have been changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP Previously, employees had to earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for SSP However, this threshold has been lowered to £100 per week from April 2026 This change means that more employees will be entitled to receive SSP when they are unable to work due to illness.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the extension of the waiting period before SSP is paid statutory sick pay april 2026. Previously, employees had to be off work due to illness for at least four days before they were eligible for SSP However, this waiting period has been extended to seven days from April 2026 This change aims to reduce the number of short-term absences and encourage employees to return to work sooner.
Employers should be aware of these changes to SSP and ensure that they are compliant with the new regulations Failing to pay SSP correctly can result in financial penalties and legal action, so it is important to stay updated on the latest developments in this area.
Employees who are off work due to illness should also be aware of their rights regarding SSP If you are eligible for SSP, you should receive it automatically from your employer If you believe that you are entitled to SSP but have not received it, you should raise this issue with your employer or seek advice from a legal professional.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 aim to provide better support and protection for employees who are unable to work due to illness By increasing the weekly rate, lowering the earnings threshold, and extending the waiting period, the government hopes to ensure that employees receive adequate financial support when they need it most.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are a step in the right direction towards providing better support for employees who are off work due to illness Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are compliant with the new regulations By staying informed and up to date on SSP, both parties can ensure a smooth and efficient process when it comes to managing sick leave.