The Latest Updates On Statutory Sick Pay April 2026

As we enter a new year, it’s important to stay informed about any changes or updates to statutory sick pay (SSP) that may affect you or your employees In April 2026, there are several key changes to SSP that you should be aware of.

One of the most significant changes to SSP in April 2026 is an increase in the weekly rate The weekly rate of SSP is set to rise from £96.35 to £99.50 This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive slightly more financial support if they are unable to work due to illness.

Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the extension of SSP entitlement Currently, employees are entitled to receive SSP for up to 28 weeks if they are too ill to work However, from April 2026, this entitlement will be extended to 30 weeks This means that employees will have additional support if they need to take an extended period of sick leave.

In addition to these changes, there are also updates to the rules surrounding SSP eligibility To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week However, from April 2026, this earnings threshold will be increased to £125 per week This means that employees will need to earn a slightly higher salary to qualify for SSP.

Employers should also be aware of changes to the rules surrounding waiting days for SSP Currently, employees must wait for three consecutive days of illness before they can receive SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. However, from April 2026, this waiting period will be reduced to two days This means that employees will be eligible for SSP sooner if they are too ill to work.

It’s important for employers to be aware of these changes to SSP so that they can ensure that their employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness By staying informed about these updates, employers can ensure that they are compliant with the latest regulations and that their employees are receiving the financial support they are entitled to.

Employers should also be aware that SSP is paid by the employer, rather than the government However, employers can reclaim some of the costs of SSP from the government if they meet certain criteria Employers should check the government website for more information on how to reclaim SSP costs.

In addition to the changes outlined above, there are also updates to the rules surrounding SSP for pregnant employees From April 2026, pregnant employees will be entitled to receive SSP if they are too ill to work due to pregnancy-related illnesses This means that pregnant employees will have additional support if they are unable to work during their pregnancy.

Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 aim to provide employees with increased financial support if they are too ill to work By staying informed about these updates, employers can ensure that they are compliant with the latest regulations and that their employees receive the support they need when they are unwell.

In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will have a positive impact on employees who are unable to work due to illness With an increase in the weekly rate, an extension of SSP entitlement, and updates to eligibility criteria, employees will have greater financial support if they need to take time off work due to illness Employers should stay informed about these changes to ensure that they are compliant with the latest regulations and that their employees receive the financial support they are entitled to.