As we enter April 2026, many employees in the UK will be familiar with statutory sick pay and how it affects their income when they are unable to work due to illness Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a payment made by employers to employees who are too ill to work, and it is a legal requirement in the UK In this article, we will explore what statutory sick pay is, how it works, and any changes that may have occurred in April 2026.
Statutory sick pay is a payment that employees are entitled to if they are too ill to work In order to qualify for statutory sick pay, employees must be off work due to illness for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days Employees must also earn at least £120 per week on average to be eligible for statutory sick pay
In April 2026, the rate of statutory sick pay remains at £96.35 per week This means that employees who are eligible for statutory sick pay will receive this amount for up to 28 weeks if they are too ill to work Employers are responsible for paying statutory sick pay to their employees, and they can reclaim some or all of the cost from the government through the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
Employees are entitled to statutory sick pay from the fourth day they are off work due to illness, known as the waiting period However, if an employee has been off work due to illness within the past eight weeks, they may not have to serve another waiting period and could be paid statutory sick pay from the first day of their illness This is known as linked periods of incapacity for work.
Employees should inform their employer as soon as possible if they are too ill to work and will be claiming statutory sick pay statutory sick pay april 2026. Employers may require medical evidence, such as a fit note from a doctor, to support a claim for statutory sick pay Employees must keep their employer informed of their progress and return to work as soon as they are able to do so.
In April 2026, there have been no significant changes to the rules surrounding statutory sick pay However, it is always advisable to check the most up-to-date information on the government website or speak to a trusted HR professional if you have any questions about statutory sick pay.
It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and entitlements when it comes to statutory sick pay By understanding how statutory sick pay works and what is required to qualify for it, employees can ensure they receive the financial support they need when they are too ill to work.
In conclusion, statutory sick pay is a vital source of financial support for employees who are too ill to work In April 2026, the rate of statutory sick pay remains at £96.35 per week, and there have been no significant changes to the rules surrounding statutory sick pay Employees should inform their employer as soon as possible if they are too ill to work and provide any necessary medical evidence to support their claim for statutory sick pay By understanding their rights and responsibilities, employees can ensure they receive the financial support they are entitled to when they need it most.
Overall, statutory sick pay remains an important protection for employees in the UK, providing essential financial support when they are unable to work due to illness By staying informed and understanding how statutory sick pay works, employees can navigate this process with confidence and ensure they receive the support they need in times of illness.