As we head into the new financial year, it is essential for both employees and employers to be aware of any changes that may affect them One significant update that will come into effect in April 2026 is the revisions to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK SSP is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, and these changes are crucial for ensuring that both parties understand their rights and obligations Let’s delve into what the alterations mean for both employees and employers.
Firstly, it is essential to understand what Statutory Sick Pay is and who is eligible to receive it SSP is a payment made by employers to employees who are too ill to work for at least four days in a row and earn an average of at least £120 per week This payment is intended to provide financial support to employees during periods of sickness, ensuring that they are not left without any income while they are unable to work.
From April 2026, the rate of SSP will increase from £96.35 per week to £100.15 per week This means that employees who are eligible to receive SSP will see a slight increase in the amount they are paid while they are off sick While this may seem like a small increase, it can make a significant difference to employees who rely on SSP to cover their living expenses during periods of illness.
Employers should also be aware of their obligations when it comes to SSP It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that eligible employees receive their SSP payments promptly and accurately statutory sick pay april 2026. Failure to do so can result in penalties and legal action, so it is crucial for employers to stay compliant with the regulations surrounding SSP.
One important change to be aware of is that, from April 2026, employees will no longer be required to provide a GP fit note to be eligible for SSP This means that employees can self-certify their sickness for up to 28 days without needing to obtain a fit note from their doctor This change is intended to make the process of claiming SSP more straightforward for employees, reducing the administrative burden on both employees and healthcare providers.
Employers should be aware of this change and update their policies and procedures accordingly to ensure that employees are aware of the new requirements for claiming SSP Providing clear guidance to employees on how to claim SSP and what is required of them during periods of sickness can help to streamline the process and prevent any misunderstandings or delays in payment.
Another key change to be aware of is that, from April 2026, SSP will be extended to cover employees on lower incomes who previously did not qualify for SSP This change is intended to provide additional support to those who may be most in need, ensuring that all employees are entitled to some form of financial assistance if they are too ill to work Employers should be aware of this change and ensure that they are prepared to pay SSP to all eligible employees, regardless of their income level.
Overall, the changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April 2026 are designed to provide greater support to employees during periods of illness while also simplifying the process of claiming SSP Both employees and employers should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are compliant with the new regulations By staying informed and up to date with the latest developments, both parties can ensure that employees receive the financial support they need when they are unable to work due to sickness or injury.