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WHAT’S NEW WITH STATUTORY SICK PAY – UK?

  • Writer: Helen Taylor
    Helen Taylor
  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

New Rates

 

From 06 April 2026 the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rates will increase.

OLD RATE

NEW RATE

% INCREASE

£118.75 per week

£123.25 per week

3.79% 

FG Solicitors: Statutory Sick Pay Increase

In 2025, workplace sickness absence rates continued to be a significant concern for employers whilst also placing ongoing pressure on them to maintain productivity, manage finances and ensure proper workforce planning.

 

Average absence levels were reported to be 9.4 days taken per employee in 2025, which, based on a 5-day working week, cost employers £223.25 per each sick employee, and if the statistics remain the same for 2026 this increase would now cost employers £231.71 per each sick employee (£8.46 more per person).

 

Day 1 Entitlement Under the Employment Rights Act 2025

 

To be eligible for SSP, employees have to wait three days to qualify to receive payment. This three-day waiting period will be withdrawn and payments will start from the first day of absence.

 

Even short-term absences will carry a higher direct cost for employers and as absence rates remain elevated, the rise in SSP and the introduction of the day one entitlement will further exacerbate the overall financial burden on businesses, particularly those with larger or absence-prone workforces.

 

Other Key Changes

 

These are as follows:

 

  • Removal of the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL); employees will no longer need to satisfy the LEL to qualify for SSP, therefore widening the access to SSP.


  • The rate of SSP for all employees will be calculated at 80% of their average week’s earnings or the flat statutory weekly rate (see above - New Rates), whichever is lower.

 

At FG Solicitors we are experts in helping our clients to prepare their businesses for legal and financial changes such as these and as such, we can assist you as the employer with workplace absence management to ensure better control over both your employees, and your finances, including reviewing absence management policies and procedures and auditing contracts of employment.

 

Contact FG Solicitors today on 08081 729 322 or complete our quick contact form for a no obligation discussion!

 

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  This update is for general guidance only and advice should be taken in relation to a particular set of circumstances.  

 

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