Statutory sick pay changes

Removal of waiting period and qualifying conditions

Currently statutory sick pay (SSP) is payable from the 4th day of sickness, and the worker must also earn above the weekly lower earning limited to qualify for it.

From 6 April 2026, SSP is set to be payable from the first sick day, and the requirement to earn above the lower earnings limit will no longer apply.

It will mean the weekly SSP rate will change to the lower of 80% of the qualifying employee or worker's weekly earnings or statutory SSP rate.