As we enter into April 2026, it is important to understand the changes and updates to statutory sick pay (SSP) for this year Statutory Sick Pay is a legal requirement for employers to pay their employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Here is everything you need to know about Statutory Sick Pay for April 2026.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the rate at which it will be paid The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, but from April 2026 this will increase to £100 per week This means that employees who are off sick for four or more days in a row will be entitled to this higher rate of SSP.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the eligibility criteria To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week, be classified as an employee, and have been sick for at least four consecutive days However, from April 2026, the minimum earnings threshold will increase to £125 per week This means that employees who earn less than £125 per week will not be eligible for SSP.
It is important for employers to be aware of these changes to ensure that they are paying their employees the correct amount of SSP Failing to do so can result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties.
Employers should also be aware that SSP is not payable for the first three days of sickness absence This is known as the waiting period After the waiting period, SSP should be paid for a maximum of 28 weeks statutory sick pay april 2026. If an employee is off sick for longer than 28 weeks, they may be eligible for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance.
It is important for employers to keep accurate records of SSP payments and to ensure that they are complying with the law This includes keeping records of sick leave, SSP payments, and any communications with employees regarding sickness absence.
Employees should also be aware of their rights to SSP and how to claim it If you are off sick for four or more consecutive days, you should inform your employer as soon as possible Your employer may require you to provide a doctor’s note or other evidence of your illness.
If you are eligible for SSP, your employer should pay it to you as part of your normal payroll process SSP should be paid at the same time and in the same way as your normal wages If you believe that you are not being paid the correct amount of SSP, you should raise this with your employer.
In addition to SSP, employees may also be entitled to other benefits such as sick pay from their employer, Occupational Sick Pay, or benefits from the government such as Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment.
Overall, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April 2026 By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment rates, and waiting period, both parties can ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
In conclusion, Statutory Sick Pay is a vital form of support for employees who are unable to work due to illness By staying informed about the changes to SSP in April 2026, employers and employees can ensure that they are complying with the law and receiving the support they need If you have any questions about SSP or your entitlement to it, you should seek advice from a legal or HR professional.