What You Need To Know About Statutory Sick Pay April 2026

As we enter into April 2026, it is important to understand the updates and changes that have been made to statutory sick pay for this year Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a payment that employers in the UK are required to make to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a vital form of support for those who are unwell and unable to earn their regular wages.

SSP rates and regulations are set by the government and are subject to change each year Therefore, it is crucial for both employers and employees to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure compliance with the law In this article, we will discuss the key points regarding statutory sick pay for April 2026.

One of the major changes that has been implemented this year is an increase in the SSP rate As of April 2026, the standard rate of statutory sick pay is £98.05 per week, up from £96.35 in the previous year This rate applies to employees who are off work due to illness for four days or more in a row.

It is important to note that employees must earn at least £120 per week to be eligible for statutory sick pay Those who do not meet this threshold are not entitled to receive SSP from their employers Additionally, employees must inform their employer of their illness and provide a sick note from a doctor if they are off work for more than seven days in a row.

Employers are responsible for paying statutory sick pay to eligible employees for up to 28 weeks After this period, employees may be eligible to apply for other forms of support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) statutory sick pay april 2026. It is crucial for employers to keep accurate records of SSP payments and ensure that they are made in accordance with the law.

In addition to the increase in the standard SSP rate, there have been other changes to the regulations surrounding statutory sick pay For example, employers can now recover some of the SSP costs from the government through the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme This scheme allows small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim a percentage of the SSP payments made to employees who are off work due to illness.

To be eligible for the SSP rebate scheme, employers must meet certain criteria, such as having fewer than 250 employees and keeping accurate records of SSP payments By participating in the scheme, employers can alleviate some of the financial burden associated with providing sick pay to their employees.

Another important update to statutory sick pay for April 2026 is the extension of SSP entitlement to those who are self-isolating due to COVID-19 If an employee is required to self-isolate by the government or NHS Test and Trace, they are entitled to receive SSP from their employer This applies even if they are not actually unwell but are unable to work due to quarantine restrictions.

Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay for April 2026 aim to provide greater support to employees who are unwell and unable to work By ensuring that employees receive the financial assistance they need during difficult times, employers can help maintain a healthy and productive workforce.

In conclusion, statutory sick pay is a vital form of support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury The updates to SSP for April 2026, including an increase in the standard rate and the extension of SSP entitlement to those self-isolating due to COVID-19, are designed to provide greater support to employees in need It is essential for employers to stay informed about these changes and ensure compliance with the law to support their employees effectively.