Statutory Sick Pay

Effective April 2026

Prior to April 2026, to be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) an individual needed to be classed as an eligible employee and have average weekly earnings at or above the Lower Earnings Limit (which was £123 per week). Those eligible were only paid from their fourth working day of absence.

From April 2026 the requirement to earn at or above the Lower Earning Limit has been removed and there is no longer a 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 £123.25, whichever is lower.