Upcoming changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

What is changing from April 2026?

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, SSP will be more inclusive and accessible:
• Day-one entitlement: SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness, removing the current three-day waiting period.
• All employees are eligible: The Lower Earnings Limited (LEL) will be removed, so all employees qualify for SSP no matter what their income.
• Support for lower earners: Lower paid employees will receive 80% of their average weekly earnings, or the standard SSP rate (whichever is the lower)
These changes are intended to make SSP fairer, particularly for lower-paid and part-time workers, and to encourage earlier sickness reporting and recovery support.

What can you do now to prepare?

• Review sickness and absence policies to make sure they fit with new rules
• Check HR and payroll systems are updated for day-one SSP payments and removal of earnings thresholds
• Train managers on reporting, record keeping, and communication during absences
• Budget for potential increase in SSP costs and review your company sick pay scheme if you offer one.