Statutory sick pay changes
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be payable from the first day of sickness absence.
This removes the current three waiting days before SSP starts.
The lower earnings limit will also be removed, so employees will no longer need to earn at least £125 per week to qualify.
Under the new rules, SSP will be paid at the lower of 80% of average weekly earnings or the standard weekly SSP rate of £123.25.