Understanding Statutory Sick Pay Changes In April 2026

As April 2026 approaches, it is important for both employers and employees to stay informed about the upcoming changes in statutory sick pay (SSP) regulations SSP is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, and it is a crucial part of the UK’s employment law In this article, we will discuss the key changes to SSP that will come into effect in April 2026 and how they may impact businesses and workers.

One of the main changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate of payment Currently, the standard rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, but this will rise to £100 per week from April 2026 This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive a slightly higher amount of financial support when they are unable to work due to illness or injury This increase in the weekly rate of SSP is intended to help employees cope with the financial strain of being off work due to ill health.

Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the extension of the waiting period before employees are eligible to receive SSP Currently, employees must be off work due to illness or injury for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) before they can start receiving SSP However, from April 2026, this waiting period will be extended to five days This means that employees will need to be off work for five days before they can begin receiving SSP payments from their employer.

Employers should be aware of these changes to the waiting period for SSP and ensure that they are implemented correctly in their payroll systems It is important to accurately record and report employees’ absences due to illness or injury in order to determine their eligibility for SSP and calculate the correct amount of payment Failing to comply with SSP regulations can result in financial penalties for employers, so it is essential to stay up to date with the latest changes in the law.

In addition to changes in the weekly rate and waiting period for SSP, there will also be updates to the rules around employees’ entitlement to SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. From April 2026, employees will need to earn at least £120 per week in order to qualify for SSP This is an increase from the current earnings threshold of £120 Employers should ensure that they accurately record employees’ earnings and monitor their eligibility for SSP based on the new earnings threshold.

Furthermore, employees who are on sick leave for more than 28 weeks will be required to provide evidence of incapacity in the form of a fit note from their GP or healthcare provider This is a change from the current requirement for a fit note after seven days of absence It is important for employees to keep their employer informed of their progress and provide medical evidence of their ongoing incapacity in order to continue receiving SSP payments.

Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 are designed to provide greater financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury By increasing the weekly rate of payment, extending the waiting period, and updating the earnings threshold, the government aims to ensure that employees are adequately supported during periods of ill health Employers play a crucial role in implementing these changes correctly and supporting their employees through the process of claiming SSP.

In conclusion, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the upcoming changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 By understanding the new regulations around SSP payments, businesses can ensure compliance with the law and provide the necessary support to employees who are off work due to ill health As we approach April 2026, it is essential to stay informed and prepared for these changes to statutory sick pay.