As we approach April 2026, many workers in the United Kingdom may be wondering about the changes to statutory sick pay that will come into effect Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is an important safety net that ensures workers are supported financially when they are unwell
In April 2026, there are some key changes to SSP that both employers and employees should be aware of These changes aim to provide better support to workers who are ill or injured and make the process of claiming SSP more straightforward Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in April 2026.
One of the most significant changes coming in April 2026 is an increase in the rate of SSP The government has announced that the SSP rate will rise from £96.35 to £100 per week This increase will provide workers with a higher level of financial support when they are off work due to illness It is an important step in ensuring that workers are not financially disadvantaged when they are unwell.
In addition to the increase in the SSP rate, there will also be changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP Currently, employees are required to earn at least £120 per week to qualify for SSP From April 2026, this threshold will be lowered to £100 per week This change will make it easier for workers on lower incomes to access SSP and receive the support they need when they are unwell.
Another important change coming in April 2026 is the introduction of a new SSP waiting period statutory sick pay april 2026. Currently, employees must wait four consecutive days before they can receive SSP From April 2026, this waiting period will be reduced to just one day This means that workers will be able to access SSP sooner after falling ill, providing them with quicker financial support during a challenging time.
Employers will also see changes to the way they report SSP payments to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) From April 2026, employers will be required to report SSP payments on their Full Payment Submission (FPS) as soon as they become aware that an employee is eligible for SSP This change aims to streamline the reporting process and ensure that SSP payments are made accurately and on time.
Overall, the changes to SSP coming in April 2026 are designed to improve support for workers who are unwell and make the process of claiming SSP more efficient for both employees and employers By increasing the SSP rate, lowering the eligibility threshold, reducing the waiting period, and streamlining reporting requirements, the government is taking steps to ensure that workers are adequately supported when they are unable to work due to illness.
It is important for both employers and employees to familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are prepared for the new rules coming into effect in April 2026 Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the increased SSP rate and the changes to reporting requirements Employees should be aware of their rights to SSP and how to claim it if they become ill or injured.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay coming in April 2026 are aimed at improving support for workers who are unwell and making the process of claiming SSP more straightforward By increasing the SSP rate, lowering the eligibility threshold, reducing the waiting period, and streamlining reporting requirements, the government is taking steps to ensure that workers are adequately supported financially when they are unable to work due to illness or injury It is important for both employers and employees to be aware of these changes and prepare for them accordingly.