Statutory Sick Pay Changes
Statutory Sick Pay is now payable from the first full day of sickness absence and is available to more employees. This change was introduced on 6 April 2026.
Key changes
- Statutory Sick Pay is available to all eligible employeesopens www.gov.uk in a new tab regardless of their earnings (the Lower Earnings Limit has been removed).
- Statutory Sick Pay is payable from the first full day of sickness absence (the three-day waiting period has been removed).
- The rate of Statutory Sick Pay for all employees is 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 came 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:
- Review your sickness absence policies and check 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.
Territorial extent
The changes to Statutory Sick Pay apply across the whole of the United Kingdom.
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
Explainer video: changes to statutory sick pay
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