As we approach April 2026, there are significant changes that will impact employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The statutory sick pay system is set to undergo changes that will affect both employers and employees It is crucial for both parties to understand what these changes entail and how they will be implemented.
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a form of financial support provided to employees who are unable to work due to illness It is paid by employers to their employees and is intended to help individuals meet their financial obligations while they are off work SSP is paid for up to 28 weeks and is subject to certain eligibility criteria.
In April 2026, there will be changes to the statutory sick pay system that will impact how SSP is calculated and paid These changes are designed to provide better support to employees who are off work due to illness, as well as to streamline the administration of SSP for employers.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate of SSP Currently, the standard rate of SSP is £94.25 per week, but this will increase to £100 per week from April 2026 This change is intended to provide a more generous level of financial support to employees who are off work due to illness.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to how SSP is calculated for employees who work irregular hours or have fluctuating incomes Currently, SSP is calculated based on an employee’s average earnings over a certain period However, from April 2026, SSP will be calculated based on 90% of an employee’s average weekly earnings This change is intended to provide a fairer level of financial support to employees who do not have a regular income.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the removal of the three waiting days before SSP becomes payable Currently, employees are not entitled to receive SSP for the first three days they are off work due to illness statutory sick pay april 2026. However, from April 2026, SSP will be paid from the first day of absence This change is intended to provide more immediate financial support to employees who are off work due to illness.
Employers will also see changes to how they administer SSP from April 2026 Currently, employers are responsible for paying SSP to their employees and claiming it back from the government However, from April 2026, the government will be introducing a new system where SSP will be paid directly to employees by the government This is intended to simplify the administration of SSP for employers and ensure that employees receive their payments in a timely manner.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are designed to provide better support to employees who are off work due to illness The increase in the weekly rate of SSP, the changes to how SSP is calculated, and the removal of the three waiting days will all help to ensure that employees receive the financial support they need when they are unable to work.
Employers will also benefit from the changes to SSP, as the new system of direct payment by the government will streamline the administration of SSP and make it easier for employers to manage their responsibilities It is important for employers to familiarize themselves with the changes to SSP and ensure that they are compliant with the new regulations when they come into effect in April 2026.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are a positive step towards providing better support to employees who are off work due to illness The increase in the weekly rate of SSP, the changes to how SSP is calculated, and the removal of the three waiting days will all help to ensure that employees receive the financial support they need Employers will also benefit from the changes, as the new system of direct payment by the government will simplify the administration of SSP It is important for both employers and employees to understand these changes and ensure that they are prepared for the new regulations that will come into effect in April 2026