Your Sick Pay Rights

From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay became fairer and more accessible.

The key changes

• No more earnings threshold – previously, you only got Statutory Sick Pay if you earned at least £125 per week. From 6 April 2026, all eligible employeesopens www.gov.uk in a new tab can receive Statutory Sick Pay regardless of how much they earn.
• No more waiting days – previously, Statutory Sick Pay only started on your fourth day off sick. From 6 April 2026, you'll be paid from your first full day of sickness absence.

What this means for you

If you're off sick, you'll receive financial support sooner and won't be excluded because of lower earnings. This is particularly important if you work part-time, have variable hours, or are on a lower income.

What you can do now

These changes will apply automatically – you don't need to do anything.

If you're unable to work due to sickness:

• Tell your employer as soon as possible.
• Understand what Statutory Sick Pay you're entitled to.
• Check if your employer offers additional sick pay above the statutory minimum.

If your sickness started before 6 April but you did not receive Statutory Sick Pay, then you may be entitled from the 6 April. You will not be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if:

• You received Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the last 85 days before 6 April 2026.
• You have been off sick continuously from 21 September 2025.
• There was another reason you were not entitled.

Territorial extent

The changes to Statutory Sick Pay apply across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Where to get help

GOV.UK Statutory Sick Pay guidanceopens www.gov.uk in a new tab

Acas advice on sick payopens www.acas.org.uk in a new tab

For more information see the Statutory Sick Pay factsheetopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab