As we enter April 2026, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the latest changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) in the UK For employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, SSP provides financial support to help cover lost wages In this article, we’ll delve into the details of SSP for April 2026 and discuss what employees and employers need to know.
Starting from April 6, 2026, the SSP rate will increase to £97.15 per week To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week and provide their employer with a doctor’s note (fit note) if they are off work for more than seven days in a row Employers are then required to pay SSP to qualifying employees for up to 28 weeks.
It’s important to note that SSP is not paid for the first three days of absence, known as waiting days After the initial three days, SSP kicks in and is paid for each day the employee is off work due to illness or injury Employers are obligated to keep accurate records of SSP payments and ensure that they comply with the legal requirements set by HM Revenue & Customs.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) Previously, employees who earned less than the LEL were not eligible for SSP With the removal of the LEL, all employees who earn at least £120 per week will now qualify for SSP, regardless of their total earnings.
Employers should be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to SSP, including providing their employees with the necessary information about their entitlement to SSP This includes informing employees of their eligibility for SSP, the rate at which it will be paid, and the duration for which it will be payable.
Employees who are unsure about their entitlement to SSP should consult their employer or the government’s official website for more information statutory sick pay april 2026. It’s crucial for employees to understand their rights when it comes to SSP and to ensure that they receive the support they are entitled to during periods of illness or injury.
In addition to the changes in SSP rates and eligibility criteria, employers should also be aware of the SSP rebate scheme This scheme allows small and medium-sized businesses to recover the costs of SSP paid to employees who are off work due to COVID-19 Employers can claim back up to two weeks of SSP per employee, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
The SSP rebate scheme was introduced as a temporary measure to help businesses cope with the financial burden of SSP during the pandemic While the scheme is currently in place, employers should familiarize themselves with the guidelines and ensure they are compliant with the requirements for making a claim.
Overall, SSP plays a crucial role in supporting employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury By providing financial assistance during periods of absence, SSP helps to alleviate the financial strain on employees and ensures that they can focus on their recovery without worrying about lost wages.
As we move into April 2026, it’s essential for both employees and employers to understand the latest changes to SSP and how they may impact them By staying informed and following the guidelines set out by HM Revenue & Customs, businesses can ensure they are compliant with the law and employees can access the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay remains a vital form of support for employees in the UK With the changes to SSP rates and eligibility criteria in April 2026, it’s important for both employees and employers to stay informed and be aware of their rights and responsibilities By understanding the latest developments in SSP, businesses can provide the necessary support to their employees during times of illness or injury, ultimately fostering a healthy and productive workplace Remember, when it comes to statutory sick pay in April 2026, knowledge is power.