As April 2026 approaches, it is important for employers and employees alike to familiarize themselves with the changes to statutory sick pay that will come into effect Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a legal requirement that ensures employees receive payment if they are unable to work due to illness The regulations surrounding SSP are updated periodically to reflect changes in society and to ensure fair treatment for all workers In this article, we will explore the upcoming changes to SSP in April 2026 and how they may impact both employers and employees.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is an increase in the weekly rate of payment Currently, the standard rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, which is paid to employees who are unable to work due to illness for four or more days in a row However, from April 2026, this rate will be increased to £100 This raise in the weekly rate of SSP will provide additional financial support to employees who are off work due to sickness, helping to alleviate some of the financial strain that can come with being unable to work.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP in April 2026 Currently, employees are only eligible for SSP if they earn at least £120 per week However, from April 2026, this threshold will be lowered to £110 per week This means that more employees will be able to claim SSP if they are unable to work due to illness, providing greater protection for those on lower incomes.
Furthermore, there will be changes to the waiting period for SSP in April 2026 statutory sick pay april 2026. Currently, employees must wait four days before they can start receiving SSP However, from April 2026, this waiting period will be reduced to three days This change will allow employees to access financial support sooner if they are off work due to illness, helping to ease the financial burden of being unable to work.
It is important for employers to be aware of these changes to SSP in April 2026 so they can ensure they are compliant with the law Employers must continue to pay SSP to eligible employees for up to 28 weeks if they are unable to work due to illness Failure to do so could result in legal action being taken against the employer.
Employees should also familiarize themselves with the changes to SSP in April 2026 so they understand their rights and entitlements If an employee is unable to work due to illness, they should notify their employer as soon as possible and provide any necessary evidence, such as a doctor’s note, to support their claim for SSP.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 aim to provide greater financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness, while also making it easier for employees to access this support By understanding these changes, employers and employees can ensure they are prepared for any time off work due to sickness and can navigate the SSP system with confidence.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will bring about important improvements to the system, including an increase in the weekly rate of payment, changes to the eligibility criteria, and a reduction in the waiting period Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure they are compliant with the law and can access the support they need if they are unable to work due to illness By staying informed and prepared, both employers and employees can navigate the SSP system effectively and ensure fair treatment for all workers.