As the world continues to face the ongoing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented various measures to support workers who may fall ill and need time off work One such measure in the United Kingdom is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which provides employees with financial support when they are unable to work due to illness In April 2026, there are set to be changes to SSP that will impact both employers and employees.
SSP is a minimum legal requirement that employers must provide to their employees when they are unable to work due to illness It is paid for up to 28 weeks and is currently set at £96.35 per week The eligibility criteria for SSP include earning at least £120 per week, being classified as an employee, and being ill for at least four days in a row, including non-working days.
In April 2026, the government has announced changes to SSP that will affect both employers and employees One of the key changes is an increase in the weekly rate of SSP From April 2026, the weekly rate of SSP is set to rise to £100 This increase aims to provide employees with a slightly higher level of financial support when they are off work due to illness.
Another change to SSP in April 2026 is an extension of the period for which SSP can be claimed Currently, SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks, but from April 2026, this period is set to be extended to 30 weeks This extension recognises the potential longer-term impacts of illnesses and ensures that employees have the necessary support for an extended period of time.
Employers also need to be aware of changes to the rules around SSP in April 2026 One key change is the removal of the lower earnings limit for SSP Currently, employees need to earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. However, from April 2026, this lower earnings limit will no longer apply This change aims to provide more employees with access to SSP and ensure that financial support is more widely available to those who need it.
In addition to changes to the rate and duration of SSP, employers will also need to be aware of changes to the way SSP is calculated Currently, SSP is paid at a flat rate of £96.35 per week However, from April 2026, SSP will be calculated based on an employee’s average earnings over the previous eight weeks This change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of an employee’s earnings and ensure that SSP is fair and equitable for all.
Employers will need to ensure that they are prepared for these changes to SSP in April 2026 This includes updating their payroll systems to reflect the new weekly rate of SSP, extending the period for which SSP can be claimed, and removing the lower earnings limit for SSP Employers will also need to be aware of the changes to the way SSP is calculated and ensure that they are able to accurately determine the amount of SSP that employees are entitled to.
Employees will also need to be aware of these changes to SSP in April 2026 It is important for employees to understand their rights to SSP, including the eligibility criteria, the amount they are entitled to, and the duration for which they can claim SSP By familiarising themselves with these changes, employees can ensure that they receive the financial support they are entitled to when they are unable to work due to illness.
In conclusion, the changes to SSP in April 2026 aim to provide employees with a slightly higher level of financial support and ensure that SSP is more widely available to those who need it Employers and employees will need to be aware of these changes and ensure that they are prepared for the new rules around SSP By staying informed and understanding their rights and responsibilities, both employers and employees can navigate these changes effectively and ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are ill and unable to work.