In April 2026, the UK government is set to introduce changes to the statutory sick pay system These changes are aimed at providing better support and protection for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are off work due to illness for four or more consecutive days It is a legal requirement for all employers to pay SSP to eligible employees, and the amount is set by the government.
The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, and it is paid for up to 28 weeks However, from April 2026, the government has announced that the rate of SSP will increase to £100 per week This change is welcomed by many, as the current rate is often seen as insufficient to cover living costs when an employee is off work due to illness.
In addition to the increase in the rate of SSP, the government is also planning to introduce changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP Currently, employees are only eligible for SSP if they earn at least £120 per week and have been off work due to illness for four or more consecutive days However, from April 2026, the government plans to lower the earnings threshold to £100 per week This means that more employees will be entitled to receive SSP when they are off work due to illness.
Another key change to the SSP system in April 2026 is the introduction of a new waiting period before employees can start receiving SSP Currently, employees are entitled to receive SSP from the fourth consecutive day of being off work due to illness statutory sick pay april 2026. However, from April 2026, employees will have to wait seven consecutive days before they can start receiving SSP This change is aimed at reducing the number of short-term absences and ensuring that SSP is only paid to those who are genuinely unable to work due to illness.
Employers will also have new responsibilities when it comes to SSP in April 2026 They will be required to keep better records of SSP payments and provide more information to their employees about their entitlement to SSP Employers will also be encouraged to promote a culture of attendance and provide support to employees who are off work due to illness, to help them return to work as soon as possible.
Overall, the changes to the statutory sick pay system in April 2026 are designed to provide better support and protection for employees who are off work due to illness The increase in the rate of SSP, the changes to the eligibility criteria, the introduction of a waiting period, and the new responsibilities for employers are all aimed at ensuring that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness.
It is important for employers to familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are compliant with the new rules and regulations Employers should update their policies and procedures to reflect the changes to the SSP system and provide training to their staff on the new requirements By being proactive and keeping up to date with the changes, employers can ensure that they are supporting their employees effectively when they are off work due to illness.
In conclusion, the changes to the statutory sick pay system in April 2026 represent a positive step towards providing better support and protection for employees who are off work due to illness The increase in the rate of SSP, the changes to the eligibility criteria, the introduction of a waiting period, and the new responsibilities for employers are all designed to ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness Employers should take proactive steps to comply with the new rules and regulations and support their employees effectively during periods of sick leave.