Statutory Sick Pay changes: What both employers and employees need to know

CREATED BY ROGER EDDOWES

Published: 07/04/2026 @ 09:00AM

#SSPchanges #April2026 #StatutorySickPay #easieraccess #fasterpayment #lowpaidemployees

Statutory Sick Pay is changing this month to make SSP easier to access and faster to receive. More low-paid employees will qualify, and payment will start from the first full day off sick. Employers will need to update payroll and carefully review the new SSP rules ...

Stay informed about the Statutory Sick Pay changes affecting both employers and employees

Statutory Sick Pay changes are poised to make a real difference, and both employers and employees will want to understand what is shifting and what remains the same. The updated approach aims to expand access to sick pay, shorten the waiting period, and make the system feel less punitive for lower-paid staff.

Employees' sick pay eligibility will no longer depend on
earnings above the lower earnings limit!

This means more workers will be able to access SSP, including many on part-time or variable hours. In simple terms, the rules are shifting towards a fairer system where illness is covered regardless of earnings.

The timing of payments is also changing, which is often the first thing people notice. Under the new SSP rules, eligible employees will receive payment from the first full day of sickness absence, rather than waiting until the fourth day. This should help individuals manage short periods of illness without immediately facing an income gap.

Employers must monitor sick pay as part of
broader payroll responsibilities!

SSP will still need to be managed correctly, and payroll systems must be updated so the new rules take effect from the correct date. Good payroll compliance will become even more important once the transition starts.

There is also a key date-based distinction to remember. Absences that start before the 6th of April 2026 will be managed under the current system, while those beginning on or after that date will generally fall under the new arrangements.

This makes record-keeping and payroll processing especially important during the transition period.

For many businesses, it is advisable to review policies now rather than risk confusion later. Staff handling HR, payroll, or employee questions should be aware that changes to Statutory Sick Pay affect eligibility, timing, and administration, but do not alter the employer's fundamental responsibility to manage SSP correctly.

There is also a wider policy backdrop here!

These changes are part of the Employment Rights Act 2025 and form a broader package of workplace reforms. That context is important, as it shows the government aims to modernise employment protections rather than make a single, isolated change.

Ultimately, the Statutory Sick Pay changes aim to make support easier to access and simpler to manage, but only if employers prepare properly and employees understand what to expect.

For anyone managing absence, payroll, or workplace queries, the best approach is to stay vigilant, update systems promptly, and keep the new rules in mind.

Until next time ...

ROGER EDDOWES
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If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about these Statutory Sick Pay changes, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.

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#SSPchanges #April2026 #StatutorySickPay #easieraccess #fasterpayment #lowpaidemployees

About Roger Eddowes ...

Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.

Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.

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