As the new month of April 2026 approaches, employees in the UK are eagerly awaiting changes to the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) scheme This vital benefit provides financial support to those who are unable to work due to illness or injury, ensuring they do not suffer a loss of income during their time off In this article, we will explore the upcoming changes to SSP in April 2026 and what it means for both employees and employers.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate of payment Currently, the standard rate of SSP is £96.35 per week, which is paid for up to 28 weeks However, from April 2026, this rate will be increased to £100 per week This modest increase will provide a little extra financial support for employees who find themselves unable to work due to sickness or injury.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of SSP, there will also be changes to the eligibility criteria for the benefit Currently, employees are only eligible for SSP if they earn at least £120 per week and have been off work due to illness for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) However, from April 2026, employees will only need to have been off work for three days in a row to qualify for SSP This change will make it easier for employees to access the financial support they need when they are unwell.
Employers will also see changes to their responsibilities when it comes to SSP in April 2026 Currently, employers are responsible for paying SSP to eligible employees for up to 28 weeks, after which the employee may be eligible for other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance However, from April 2026, employers will be required to pay SSP for up to 52 weeks statutory sick pay april 2026. This extended period of payment will provide greater financial support to employees who are off work for an extended period due to illness or injury.
Employers will also be required to keep more detailed records of SSP payments from April 2026 Currently, employers are only required to keep records of the dates and amounts of SSP paid to each employee However, from April 2026, employers will be required to keep records of the reason for each SSP payment, as well as any evidence provided by the employee to support their claim This additional record-keeping requirement will help to ensure that SSP payments are made correctly and reduce the risk of fraud or abuse of the system.
Another key change to SSP in April 2026 is the introduction of a new waiting period before employees can access the benefit Currently, employees are entitled to SSP from the fourth day of their sickness absence However, from April 2026, employees will be required to wait six days before they can receive SSP This change is designed to encourage employees to take more responsibility for their health and well-being and reduce the number of short-term absences from work.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 are designed to provide greater financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, while also reducing the burden on employers The increase in the weekly rate of payment, the changes to the eligibility criteria, the extended payment period, the additional record-keeping requirements, and the new waiting period all work together to create a fairer and more efficient system of support for those in need.
In conclusion, the changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April 2026 represent a positive step forward for employees and employers in the UK By providing greater financial support to those who are unable to work due to illness or injury, while also reducing the burden on employers, the new SSP scheme will help to ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve Employees and employers alike should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure they are prepared for the new system come April 2026.