As April 2026 rapidly approaches, many workers in the UK are eagerly anticipating changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that will come into effect on April 6th These changes will impact the way SSP is calculated and paid out to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is important for both employers and employees to understand these changes in order to ensure compliance with the law and to maximize benefits for those in need
One of the most significant changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the flat rate weekly payment Currently, eligible employees are entitled to receive £96.35 per week if they are too ill to work However, this amount will rise to £101.50 per week starting April 6th This increase aims to provide a more adequate level of support for those who are unable to work due to illness or injury
Additionally, the rules around qualifying for SSP have also been updated In order to be eligible for SSP, employees must now have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks before the first day of sickness Previously, this requirement was only 13 weeks This change is designed to ensure that employees receive SSP only after they have built up a sufficient working relationship with their employer.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the removal of the three waiting days before an employee can start receiving payments Previously, employees had to wait for three consecutive days of sickness before they became eligible for SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. However, starting April 6th, employees will be entitled to SSP from the first day of their absence due to illness or injury This change aims to provide more immediate financial support to employees who are sick and unable to work.
Employers should also be aware of the changes to the amount they can claim back from the government for SSP payments made to employees Currently, small employers with fewer than 250 employees can recover up to two weeks of SSP per employee per sickness period However, this limit will be increased to four weeks per employee starting April 6th This change will provide additional support to small businesses that may struggle to cover the costs of SSP for their employees.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand these changes to SSP in order to ensure compliance with the law and to take advantage of the benefits available Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the new flat rate weekly payment and the extended recovery period for SSP payments Employees should familiarize themselves with the updated eligibility criteria and be aware that they can now access SSP from the first day of their sickness absence.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 represent a positive step towards providing better support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The increase in the flat rate weekly payment, the extension of the recovery period for SSP payments, and the removal of the waiting days requirement all aim to improve the effectiveness of the SSP system and ensure that employees receive the financial support they need when they are sick.
In conclusion, the changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April 2026 will have a significant impact on both employers and employees in the UK It is essential for all parties to understand these changes and to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and maximize benefits By staying informed and prepared, employers and employees can navigate the new SSP regulations successfully and ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve