Everything You Need To Know About Statutory Sick Pay April 2026

As we enter April 2026, many employees across the UK may find themselves in need of statutory sick pay (SSP) due to illness or injury Statutory sick pay is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, and it is a legal requirement for employers to provide this support to their employees.

In April 2026, there have been some changes to statutory sick pay that both employees and employers need to be aware of Understanding these changes can help ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness.

One of the key changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 is an increase in the weekly rate As of April 2026, the weekly rate of statutory sick pay has increased to £99.35 This means that employees who are eligible for SSP will receive this increased rate when they are unable to work due to illness This increase in the weekly rate is designed to provide employees with greater financial support when they are off work due to illness.

In order to be eligible for statutory sick pay, employees must meet certain criteria They must be unable to work due to illness or injury for at least four consecutive days, including weekends and bank holidays They must also earn an average of at least £120 per week in the eight weeks leading up to their illness Employees must also notify their employer of their illness within a specified timeframe in order to qualify for statutory sick pay.

Employers are responsible for paying statutory sick pay to eligible employees, and they can reclaim some or all of the cost from the government Employers must keep accurate records of statutory sick pay payments and ensure that they comply with all legal requirements surrounding SSP.

It is important for employees to be aware of their rights when it comes to statutory sick pay If an employee believes that they are being unfairly denied SSP, they can seek advice and support from organizations such as ACAS or Citizens Advice statutory sick pay april 2026. Employees should also ensure that they provide their employer with all necessary information and documentation in a timely manner in order to qualify for SSP.

In addition to statutory sick pay, employees may also be entitled to other forms of support when they are unable to work due to illness For example, employees who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or disability may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance This benefit provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability.

Employees may also be entitled to contractual sick pay in addition to statutory sick pay Contractual sick pay is paid at the discretion of the employer and may provide additional support to employees who are unable to work due to illness Employers should clearly outline the terms of contractual sick pay in the employee’s contract of employment.

In conclusion, statutory sick pay is an important form of support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury As we enter April 2026, it is essential for both employees and employers to be aware of the changes to SSP and to ensure that they comply with all legal requirements surrounding statutory sick pay By understanding their rights and responsibilities, employees and employers can work together to ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.

In April 2026, the increased weekly rate of statutory sick pay aims to provide employees with greater financial support during periods of illness Employees should familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria for SSP and seek advice if they believe they are being unfairly denied this support By working together, employees and employers can ensure that statutory sick pay continues to provide a vital safety net for those who are unable to work due to illness.