Statutory Sick Pay

Expected April 2026

Currently, to be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) an individual must be classed as an eligible employee and must have average weekly earnings at or above the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £123 per week). Those that are eligible are only paid from their fourth working day of absence.

From April 2026 the requirement to earn at or above the Lower Earning Limit will be removed and there will be no waiting period, meaning all eligible employees can receive SSP from the first day of sickness absence. The rate of SSP will be 80% of an employee’s earnings or the current flat rate of £118.75, whichever is lower.