The most significant change to the Statutory Sick Pay legislation since the introduction in 1983
From 6th April 2026, the most significant change to the Statutory Sick Pay legislation since the introduction in 1983, will come into effect.
The changes are:-
- Entitlement to SSP from day one of the absence, however the employee must still be absent for 4 calendar days before SSP is considered. SSP will be paid from the first qualifying day within the absence.
- There is no minimum earnings level for eligibility to be established.
- Payment will be at either the standard rate of SSP (£123.25 - 2026/27) or, 80% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.
There will be a protection for staff who are on a sickness absence through 6 April 2026 to ensure that they are not detrimentally affected by the above changes. They are:-
- Employees already in receipt of SSP will continue to receive the standard rate until the current absence ends (no reduction mid absence).
- Employees who were entitled to SPP but subject to the 3 waiting days condition, will begin receiving SSP on the first qualifying day on or after 6th April 2026.
- Employees who were previously not entitled to SSP due to insufficient earnings, will become eligible from the first qualifying day on or after 6th April.
The Government are also introducing an Executive Agency called the Fair Work Agency, within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Its purpose is to consolidate and strengthen the enforcement of employment rights, with additional powers for SSP and the National Minimum Wage.
More information on these changes can be found here Changes to sick pay will help people stay in work and grow economy - GOV.UK
