As we approach April 2026, many employees in the UK are wondering about the changes to statutory sick pay that will come into effect Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to sickness or injury It is a legal requirement for all employers to pay SSP to their employees who meet the qualifying criteria In this article, we will delve into the details of statutory sick pay and the changes that will take place in April 2026.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the current statutory sick pay rates As of 2025, the standard rate for SSP is £95.85 per week, which is paid for up to 28 weeks To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week, be employed under a contract of service, and be sick for at least 4 consecutive days (including weekends and holidays) Employers can also have their own sick pay schemes that are more generous than the statutory minimum.
Starting in April 2026, there will be changes to the statutory sick pay rates The new standard rate for SSP will increase to £100 per week, providing some relief for employees who are unable to work due to illness This change is aimed at helping employees who rely on SSP to cover their living expenses while they are off work.
In addition to the increase in the standard rate, there will also be changes to the qualifying criteria for SSP From April 2026, employees will need to earn at least £125 per week to be eligible for SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. This change is intended to ensure that employees who work part-time or on minimum wage are not left without financial support when they are unable to work due to sickness.
Employers need to be aware of these changes and ensure that they are complying with the new requirements for statutory sick pay Failure to pay SSP correctly can result in penalties from HM Revenue and Customs, so it is important for employers to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations.
It is also worth noting that employees who are on long-term sick leave may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks After this period, they may be entitled to other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) depending on their individual circumstances Employers should offer support to employees who are on long-term sick leave and provide them with information about the benefits they may be entitled to.
Employees who are not eligible for SSP, such as self-employed individuals or those who do not earn enough to qualify, may be able to claim other benefits such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance These benefits provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability, and can help to alleviate some of the financial burden of being off work.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is an important benefit that provides financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The changes to the SSP rates and qualifying criteria in April 2026 will have a positive impact on employees who rely on SSP to cover their living expenses while they are off work Employers need to be aware of these changes and ensure that they are complying with the new requirements to avoid penalties from HM Revenue and Customs By staying informed and offering support to employees who are on sick leave, employers can create a positive work environment that values the health and wellbeing of their workforce.