As we enter April 2026, there are several changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) that all employers and employees should be aware of SSP is the minimum amount employers must pay their employees when they are off work due to illness It is important to stay up to date with these changes to ensure compliance and to understand how they may impact you.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate The standard rate of SSP will rise to £100 per week, up from the previous rate of £96.35 This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive a slightly higher amount when they are unable to work due to illness Employers must ensure that they are paying this new rate to their employees from April onwards.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the extension of SSP entitlement to all employees, regardless of their employment status Previously, only employees earning above a certain threshold were entitled to SSP However, this threshold has been removed, meaning that all employees, including part-time and casual workers, will now be eligible to receive SSP if they are off work due to illness This change is designed to ensure that all workers are protected in the event of illness and are not left without income when they are unable to work.
In addition to these changes, there are also new rules around when SSP can be paid From April 2026, SSP will be payable from the first day of absence, rather than the fourth day as it was previously statutory sick pay april 2026. This means that employees will receive SSP from the first day they are off work due to illness, providing them with more immediate financial support Employers must be aware of this change and ensure that they are paying SSP from the first day of absence.
Furthermore, there are changes to the rules around qualifying for SSP From April 2026, employees will need to have been off work due to illness for at least two days in a row to qualify for SSP This is a change from the previous rule which required employees to be off work for four days in a row before they could receive SSP This change is intended to make it easier for employees to access SSP when they need it most and to provide them with financial support sooner.
It is important for employers to be aware of these changes to SSP in April 2026 and to ensure that they are compliant with the new rules Failure to comply with these changes could result in fines or legal action, so it is crucial to stay informed and make the necessary adjustments to payroll systems and processes to accommodate these changes.
For employees, it is important to understand your rights when it comes to SSP and to know what you are entitled to if you are off work due to illness Make sure to communicate with your employer about your absence and ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of SSP according to the new rates and rules.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are significant and will impact both employers and employees It is important to stay informed and be aware of these changes to ensure compliance and to understand how they may affect you By understanding your rights and responsibilities when it comes to SSP, you can ensure that you are receiving the support you need when you are unable to work due to illness.