As we approach April 2026, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of any changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) regulations that may impact them Statutory sick pay is the minimum amount that employers must pay their employees when they are off work due to illness In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about statutory sick pay in April 2026.
One of the key changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 is the increase in the weekly rate From April 2026, the weekly rate of statutory sick pay will rise to £100 per week, up from the previous rate of £96.30 This increase is intended to provide greater financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness Employers should ensure that they are aware of this new rate and adjust their payroll systems accordingly to ensure that employees are paid the correct amount of statutory sick pay.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of statutory sick pay, there are also changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP From April 2026, employees will only be eligible for statutory sick pay if they earn at least £120 per week This is an increase from the previous threshold of £118 per week Employees will also need to provide a Fit Note from their doctor after seven days of absence to continue receiving SSP Employers should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are following the correct procedures when it comes to paying statutory sick pay.
Another important aspect of statutory sick pay is the length of time that employees can receive it statutory sick pay april 2026. In April 2026, employees will be entitled to receive statutory sick pay for up to 28 weeks After this period, employees may be eligible for other forms of financial support such as Employment and Support Allowance It is important for employers to keep track of the amount of statutory sick pay that their employees are entitled to and ensure that they are paid the correct amount for the duration of their absence.
It is also worth noting that employers may be able to reclaim some of the statutory sick pay that they have paid to their employees Small employers with fewer than 250 employees can claim back up to two weeks of statutory sick pay per employee through the government’s Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme This can help to offset some of the costs associated with paying statutory sick pay and provide support to small businesses who may be struggling financially.
In order to be eligible for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, employers must have had a PAYE payroll scheme in operation before the start of the tax year in which the claim is made Employers must also have had fewer than 250 employees on their payroll at the time that the employee was off sick Employers should keep detailed records of any statutory sick pay that they have paid out and ensure that they meet all of the eligibility criteria when making a claim for reimbursement.
In conclusion, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the changes to statutory sick pay that will come into effect in April 2026 The increase in the weekly rate of SSP, changes to the eligibility criteria, and the ability to reclaim some of the costs of paying SSP are all important considerations for businesses and workers alike By staying informed and following the correct procedures, employers can ensure that they are compliant with the law and employees can receive the financial support that they are entitled to when they are off work due to illness.