In April 2026, significant changes to the statutory sick pay (SSP) system are set to take effect in the United Kingdom These changes are aimed at improving support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is important for both employers and employees to understand these upcoming changes to ensure they are compliant and to take advantage of the new benefits provided.
One of the key changes coming in April 2026 is an increase in the statutory sick pay rate Currently, SSP is set at £96.35 per week, but this will rise to £100 per week starting in April 2026 This increase aims to provide better financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to sickness or injury It is crucial for employers to update their payroll systems to reflect this change to ensure they are paying employees the correct amount when they are off sick.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the extension of eligibility criteria Currently, employees are only eligible for SSP if they earn at least £120 per week However, this threshold will be lowered to £100 per week in April 2026 This change will make more employees eligible for SSP and ensure that those on lower incomes are not financially penalized for taking time off work due to illness.
In addition to these changes, the government is also introducing a new SSP enhancement for long-term sick leave Under the new system, employees who are off work due to illness for more than four weeks will be eligible for an enhanced SSP rate of £150 per week statutory sick pay april 2026. This enhancement is designed to provide increased financial support to individuals who are facing an extended period of sickness absence Employers will need to keep track of their employees’ sick leave to ensure they are paid the correct amount under this new enhancement.
Furthermore, the government is also introducing a new SSP repayment scheme for small businesses Under this scheme, small employers with fewer than 50 employees will be able to claim back SSP costs from the government for sickness absences lasting more than two weeks This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on small businesses that may struggle to cover the costs of sick pay for their employees Employers will need to familiarize themselves with the rules of the SSP repayment scheme to take advantage of this financial support.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand these changes to the statutory sick pay system in April 2026 Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the new SSP rate and eligibility criteria, as well as familiarize themselves with the SSP repayment scheme for small businesses Employees should be aware of their rights to SSP and the new enhancements for long-term sick leave, ensuring they receive the financial support they are entitled to when off work due to illness.
In conclusion, the upcoming changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 aim to provide better support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Employers and employees must understand these changes to ensure they are compliant and to take advantage of the new benefits provided By staying informed and updating their systems accordingly, both employers and employees can navigate the revised SSP system with confidence and peace of mind.