As we approach April 2026, changes to statutory sick pay are on the horizon that will impact both employees and employers alike Statutory sick pay, often referred to as SSP, is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury In this article, we will explore the upcoming changes to SSP and what they mean for both parties involved.
One of the key changes to statutory sick pay coming in April 2026 is an increase in the weekly rate Currently, the standard rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, but this is set to rise to £100.85 per week This increase is intended to help ensure that employees who are off sick are able to cover their basic living expenses while they are unable to work.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to the eligibility criteria for receiving SSP Currently, employees are required to earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for SSP However, from April 2026, this threshold will increase to £125 per week This means that more employees will be entitled to receive SSP when they are off sick.
Another important change to SSP coming in April 2026 is the introduction of a new waiting period before employees can start receiving payments Currently, employees are entitled to receive SSP from the fourth day of sickness absence However, from April 2026, employees will need to wait until the eighth day of sickness absence before they can start receiving SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. This change is intended to reduce the financial burden on employers and help ensure that SSP is used appropriately.
Employers will also see changes to their obligations when it comes to SSP in April 2026 One key change is the introduction of a new monitoring system to help employers track and record SSP payments This system will make it easier for employers to ensure that they are complying with their legal obligations when it comes to SSP.
Furthermore, employers will also be required to provide employees with information about their entitlement to SSP and how to claim it This is intended to help employees understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to SSP, and ensure that they are able to access the support they need when they are off sick.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay coming in April 2026 are designed to improve the support available to employees when they are off sick, while also helping employers to manage their obligations more effectively By increasing the weekly rate of SSP, expanding eligibility criteria, and introducing a new waiting period, these changes aim to strike a balance between supporting employees and easing the financial burden on employers.
It is important for both employees and employers to familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming adjustments to SSP Employees should be aware of their rights when it comes to SSP and how to access support if they are off sick, while employers should take steps to ensure that they are compliant with the new requirements and are able to meet their obligations under the updated regulations.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay coming in April 2026 represent an important step towards improving support for employees who are off sick, while also providing employers with clearer guidelines on how to manage SSP payments By increasing the weekly rate, expanding eligibility criteria, and introducing a new waiting period, these changes aim to create a fairer and more effective system for both parties involved It is crucial that both employees and employers familiarize themselves with these changes and take steps to ensure compliance as we approach April 2026.
In summary, the changes to statutory sick pay for April 2026 aim to provide a better safety net for employees in need of support due to illness or injury, while also streamlining the process for employers These changes reflect a commitment to ensuring that both employees and employers are adequately supported during periods of sickness absence.