As we enter April 2026, it’s essential for employees and employers to understand the latest updates regarding statutory sick pay (SSP) SSP is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness It is a legal requirement in the UK, and as of April 2026, there have been some changes to the SSP system that both parties need to be aware of.
One of the key changes to SSP in April 2026 is the increase in the rate of payment From the start of the new tax year, employees who are eligible for SSP will receive a higher amount than in previous years The standard rate of SSP has been increased to £98.35 per week, up from £96.35 in the previous tax year This increase will provide more financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness, helping them to cover their living expenses while they recover.
Employers should also note that the rules around qualifying for SSP have been updated To be eligible for SSP, employees must now have been off work due to illness for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) This is a change from the previous requirement of three days, and it aims to ensure that SSP is only paid to those who genuinely need it Employers should also ensure that they keep accurate records of sick leave to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes regarding SSP payments.
Another important change to SSP in April 2026 is the introduction of a new “cap” on the total amount of SSP that can be paid to an employee The maximum amount of SSP that can be paid to an employee in any one week is now capped at £392.40 This means that even if an employee is eligible for SSP at the standard rate of £98.35 per week, their total SSP payments cannot exceed this cap statutory sick pay april 2026. Employers should be aware of this new limit and ensure that they do not overpay SSP to their employees.
It’s also worth noting that employees who are off work due to COVID-19 may be eligible for SSP, even if they are not experiencing symptoms themselves If an employee is required to self-isolate due to being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they may be entitled to SSP Employers should familiarise themselves with the latest guidance from the government on SSP eligibility for COVID-19-related absences and ensure that they support their employees during this challenging time.
In addition to these changes, employers should be aware that they can reclaim the cost of SSP from the government if their employees are off work due to illness This is known as the SSP rebate scheme, and it can help businesses to manage the financial impact of SSP payments Employers can claim back up to two weeks’ worth of SSP per employee, and the process for reclaiming SSP is straightforward By taking advantage of this scheme, employers can ensure that they are not out of pocket when their employees are off sick.
Overall, the changes to SSP in April 2026 aim to provide better support to employees who are unable to work due to illness while also ensuring that employers can manage the financial impact of SSP payments By staying up to date with the latest regulations and guidance around SSP, both employees and employers can navigate the system effectively and ensure that they receive the support they need If you have any questions about SSP or need further information, it’s advisable to consult with a legal or HR professional who can provide tailored advice to your specific circumstances.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay in April 2026 has undergone some significant changes, including an increase in the rate of payment, a new cap on total SSP payments, and updated eligibility criteria Employers and employees should be aware of these changes and ensure that they comply with the latest regulations to avoid any issues with SSP payments By understanding the rules around SSP and accessing support where needed, both parties can navigate the system effectively and ensure that employees receive the financial support they need during periods of illness.