Statutory Sick Pay Changes

From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay will be payable from the first full day of sickness absence and will be available to more employees. These changes help ensure that lower-paid employees have financial security when they are unwell and can help reduce the spread of infection within a workplace.

Key changes

• Statutory Sick Pay will be available to all eligible employees regardless of their earnings (the Lower Earnings Limit is being removed).
• Statutory Sick Pay will be payable from the first full day of sickness absence (the three-day waiting period is being removed).
• The rate of Statutory Sick Pay for all employees will be calculated at 80% of their average weekly earnings or the flat weekly rate, whichever is lower.

Transitional arrangements

• Guidance on transitional arrangements sets out, for example, how to deal with sickness absences that started before 6 April 2026 but are still in progress when relevant provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025 come into force: Sickness absences that start before and end on or after 6 April 2026 - GOV.UKopens eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com in a new tab.

Actions to take:

Before 6 April 2026:

• Review your sickness absence policies and prepare updates to any references to waiting periods or earnings thresholds.
• Check with your payroll provider how the changes will affect your payroll system.
• Communicate the changes to your management teams and staff.

More information

Register for the next live webinar about Statutory Sick Payopens attendee.gotowebinar.com in a new tab

Statutory Sick Pay - GOV.UKopens www.gov.uk in a new tab

Support with employee health and disability – GOV.UKopens www.support-with-employee-health-and-disability.dwp.gov.uk in a new tab- For support on managing employee absence

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