As the calendar turns to April 2026, employees and employers in the UK will see changes to the statutory sick pay system Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount employers must pay employees who are unable to work due to illness These changes will impact both employers and employees, so it is important to understand what will be different starting in April.
One of the most significant changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate The standard rate of SSP will rise from £94.25 to £96.35 per week This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive a slightly higher amount when they are off work due to illness While this increase may seem small, it can make a difference for employees who rely on SSP to cover their expenses while they are sick.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to the eligibility criteria Currently, employees must earn at least £120 per week to qualify for SSP However, starting in April 2026, this threshold will be increased to £123 per week This means that employees will need to earn slightly more to be eligible for SSP when they are unable to work due to illness.
Another change coming in April 2026 is the extension of SSP for employees who are off work long-term due to illness Currently, employees can receive SSP for up to 28 weeks if they are unable to work due to illness However, starting in April 2026, this period will be extended to 30 weeks This gives employees who are dealing with long-term illnesses some additional support while they are off work.
Employers will also see changes to how they can reclaim SSP costs from the government Currently, small employers with fewer than 250 employees can reclaim up to two weeks of SSP costs per employee statutory sick pay april 2026. This will remain the same in April 2026 However, employers will need to continue to keep accurate records of SSP payments and the days employees were off sick in order to claim back these costs.
It is important for employers to stay informed about these changes to SSP in order to ensure they are compliant with the law Failing to provide employees with the correct amount of SSP or failing to keep accurate records could result in penalties or legal action Employers should review their sickness absence policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date with the changes coming in April 2026.
Employees should also be aware of their rights when it comes to SSP If you are unable to work due to illness, you may be entitled to SSP from your employer You should check your employment contract or company handbook to see what your entitlement is and how to claim SSP If you are unsure about your rights, you can seek advice from a trade union representative or a legal advisor.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 are aimed at providing employees with better support when they are off work due to illness The increase in the weekly rate of SSP and the extension of the payment period will help to ensure that employees who are sick are able to cover their expenses while they are unable to work Employers should take the time to understand these changes and make any necessary adjustments to their policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the law.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will impact both employers and employees in the UK By understanding these changes and taking the necessary steps to comply with the law, employers can ensure they are providing their employees with the support they need when they are off work due to illness Employees should also be aware of their rights and entitlements when it comes to SSP in order to access the support they are entitled to.