Statutory sick pay from April 2026

What changed on 6 April 2026

• SSP is paid from the first day you're off sick. The three unpaid waiting days have gone.
• There's no minimum earnings level any more, so lower-paid employees qualify too.
• You get the lower of £123.25 a week or 80% of your normal weekly earnings.

How long it's paid

Up to 28 weeks. Separate absences close together, 8 weeks or less apart, link up and count towards the same 28 weeks.

SSP is paid for the days you'd normally have worked. After 7 days off in a row, including non-working days, your employer can ask for a fit note.

Company sick pay

Many employers pay more than SSP, sometimes full pay for a set number of weeks. Check your contract or handbook. Company sick pay usually includes SSP rather than being paid on top.

Absences that started before April 2026

If an absence started before 6 April 2026 and carried on after it, transitional rules can apply to the rate. Your payroll team can confirm how yours was worked out.