As we enter April 2026, there are some significant changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that employers and employees need to be aware of SSP is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to eligible employees, and the amount is set by the government.
In April 2026, the government has announced changes to SSP rates and regulations to better support workers who are off sick and to ensure businesses can effectively manage the financial impact of employee absences These changes aim to provide more comprehensive coverage for employees who are unwell and to make it easier for employers to understand their responsibilities regarding SSP.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is an increase in the standard weekly rate The government has raised the weekly rate from £96.35 to £100.80 for eligible employees This means that employees who are off sick for four or more days in a row are entitled to receive £100.80 per week in SSP This increase in the standard weekly rate will provide more financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the introduction of a new qualifying period for SSP Previously, employees had to be off sick for four or more days in a row to be eligible for SSP However, from April 2026, employees will only need to be off sick for three or more days in a row to qualify for SSP This change will make it easier for employees to access SSP and will provide more support to workers who are unwell.
Employers also need to be aware of changes to the rules around SSP record-keeping statutory sick pay april 2026. From April 2026, employers will be required to keep more detailed records of SSP payments and employee absences This includes recording the dates of sickness absence, the reasons for absence, and the amount of SSP paid to each employee By keeping accurate records, employers can ensure they are complying with their legal obligations and can effectively manage SSP payments.
In addition to these changes, the government has also announced new measures to support businesses in managing the financial impact of SSP Employers who pay SSP to eligible employees will be able to claim back a percentage of the costs from the government This scheme is designed to help businesses recoup some of the expenses associated with SSP and to ensure that employers are not unfairly burdened by the costs of employee absences.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 are designed to provide more comprehensive support to employees who are unwell and to make it easier for employers to manage SSP payments By increasing the standard weekly rate, reducing the qualifying period, and introducing new record-keeping requirements, the government aims to ensure that employees receive the financial support they need when they are off sick and that businesses can effectively manage the costs of SSP.
Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with the changes to SSP in April 2026 to ensure they are compliant with the new regulations By understanding their rights and responsibilities regarding SSP, both employers and employees can ensure a smooth and efficient process for managing sick leave and receiving SSP payments.
In conclusion, the changes to SSP in April 2026 represent a significant step in improving the support available to employees who are unwell and in streamlining the process for employers to manage SSP payments These changes will benefit both employees and employers and will ensure that everyone is able to access the financial support they need during periods of illness or injury.