As the calendar flips to April 2026, there are changes coming to statutory sick pay that could impact both employees and employers Statutory sick pay (SSP) is the minimum payment that employers are required to make to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a crucial benefit that provides financial support to workers when they are unable to work In April 2026, there will be some adjustments to how SSP is calculated and paid out, so it is essential to understand these changes to ensure compliance and understanding for both employees and employers.
One of the significant changes coming in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate of SSP Starting April 6th, 2026, the standard rate of SSP will rise from £96.35 to £100.70 per week This increase is intended to provide workers with a better financial safety net when they are off work due to illness The increase in the weekly rate will be a welcome change for employees who rely on SSP to cover their expenses while they are unable to work.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to how SSP is calculated Currently, SSP is paid for a maximum of 28 weeks to eligible employees However, from April 2026, the number of qualifying days for SSP purposes will be reduced from four consecutive days to just two This means that employees will be eligible for SSP after being off work due to illness for just two days, rather than the current four-day waiting period.
Furthermore, the linking rules for SSP will also change in April 2026 Under the current rules, employees are required to have been off work for eight consecutive weeks before they are eligible for SSP However, from April 2026, this linking rule will be abolished statutory sick pay april 2026. This means that employees will not have to wait for eight weeks before they can receive SSP for a new illness or injury This change will provide more immediate financial support to employees who need it most.
Another important change coming in April 2026 is the extension of SSP to those who are caring for a family member or loved one Currently, SSP is only available to employees who are unable to work due to their own illness or injury However, from April 2026, employees will also be eligible for SSP if they are caring for a family member who is ill or injured This change recognizes the valuable contribution that caregivers make and ensures that they are not financially penalized for taking time off work to care for a loved one.
Employers will need to be aware of these changes and ensure that their payroll systems are updated to reflect the new rates and rules around SSP It is essential that employers understand their obligations when it comes to SSP and that they comply with the law to avoid any penalties or legal issues Employees should also familiarize themselves with the changes to SSP so that they know what financial support they are entitled to if they are off work due to illness or injury.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will provide employees with better financial support when they are unable to work The increase in the weekly rate of SSP, the reduction in the qualifying days, the abolition of the linking rule, and the extension of SSP to caregivers are all positive changes that will benefit workers across the UK Employers and employees alike should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are compliant with the new rules around SSP By understanding and preparing for these changes, both employees and employers can navigate the statutory sick pay system with confidence and peace of mind.