As we enter a new year, it’s important for both employees and employers to be aware of any changes or updates to legislation that may affect them One key area that often sees updates is statutory sick pay (SSP) In April 2026, there will be changes to SSP that will impact both employees and employers In this article, we will explore what these changes are and how they may affect you.
Statutory sick pay is a form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is paid by employers and is intended to help employees cover their living expenses while they are off work SSP is a legal requirement for all employers to provide, and the amount paid is set by the government.
Starting in April 2026, there will be changes to the amount of statutory sick pay that eligible employees can receive The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, but from April 2026, this will increase to £102.35 per week This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive a higher level of financial support while they are off work due to illness or injury.
To be eligible for statutory sick pay, employees must earn at least £120 per week and have been off work due to illness or injury for at least four days in a row Employees must also provide their employer with proof of their illness or injury, such as a doctor’s note, in order to qualify for SSP.
In addition to the increase in the amount of SSP paid, there will also be changes to the rules around when SSP can be claimed Currently, employees can claim SSP from the fourth day that they are off work due to illness or injury However, from April 2026, employees will be able to claim SSP from the first day that they are off work statutory sick pay april 2026. This will provide faster financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Employers will need to be aware of these changes to SSP in April 2026 and ensure that they are following the correct procedures when it comes to paying SSP to their employees Employers will still be responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees, but the increase in the amount paid may impact their finances Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the new rate of SSP and ensure that they are following the correct procedures for paying SSP to employees.
It’s also important for employees to be aware of these changes to SSP in April 2026, as they may be eligible for a higher level of financial support if they are off work due to illness or injury Employees should ensure that they provide their employer with proof of their illness or injury and follow the correct procedures for claiming SSP.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are designed to provide employees with a higher level of financial support while they are off work due to illness or injury Employers and employees should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are following the correct procedures for claiming and paying SSP By staying informed about these changes, both employers and employees can navigate the process of statutory sick pay more effectively and ensure that those who need financial support while off work are able to receive it.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is an important form of financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The changes to SSP in April 2026 will see an increase in the amount of SSP paid and changes to the rules around when SSP can be claimed Employers and employees should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are following the correct procedures for claiming and paying SSP By staying informed and up to date with these changes, both employers and employees can navigate the process of statutory sick pay more effectively and ensure that those who need financial support while off work are able to receive it.