Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a legal requirement in the UK that ensures employees receive payment when they are unable to work due to illness or injury The government sets the rules and rates for SSP, and these can change from year to year In April 2026, there will be some updates to the SSP regulations that all employers and employees need to be aware of.
Starting from April 2026, the standard rate of SSP will be £102.10 per week This rate applies to employees who are off work for at least four days in a row, including non-working days This means that if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you will be entitled to £102.10 per week in SSP from your employer, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for SSP, you must earn at least £120 per week and have been off work for at least four days in a row due to illness or injury You must also inform your employer of your absence within their specified timeframe, usually within seven days, and provide any requested evidence of your illness or injury If you meet these criteria, you will be entitled to receive SSP for up to 28 weeks.
In addition to the standard rate of SSP, there will also be some changes to the rules around SSP for employees with coronavirus (COVID-19) From April 2026, employees who are off work due to COVID-19 will be entitled to SSP from the first day of their absence, rather than having to wait for four days as in previous years This change is designed to encourage employees to stay at home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.
Employers will be required to pay SSP to eligible employees from the fourth day of their absence due to COVID-19, but they may be able to claim back some or all of the SSP costs from the government This will be done through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which allows employers to recover SSP costs for up to two weeks per employee statutory sick pay april 2026. To be eligible for the rebate, employers must have fewer than 250 employees and have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started on or before the 28th of February 2026.
It is important for employers to familiarize themselves with the rules and rates of SSP for April 2026 to ensure they comply with the law Employers must pay SSP to eligible employees and keep accurate records of SSP payments and absences Failure to do so could result in fines or penalties from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Employees should also be aware of their rights to SSP and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria if they need to take time off work due to illness or injury If you are unsure about your entitlement to SSP or how to claim it, you should speak to your employer or a legal advisor for guidance.
Overall, the changes to SSP for April 2026 aim to provide better support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The increased standard rate of SSP and the changes for employees with COVID-19 should help ensure that employees receive the financial support they need when they are off work By understanding the rules and rates of SSP, both employers and employees can ensure they comply with the law and receive the support they are entitled to.
In conclusion, if you are an employer or employee in the UK, you should be aware of the changes to statutory sick pay for April 2026 By familiarizing yourself with the rules and rates of SSP, you can ensure you comply with the law and receive the financial support you need when you are unable to work due to illness or injury Stay informed and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding SSP to avoid any issues in the future.