As we approach April 2026, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of any changes or updates to statutory sick pay (SSP) regulations SSP is a form of payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury In this article, we will discuss the current SSP regulations and any changes that may be taking place in April 2026.
Currently, SSP is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury To be eligible for SSP, employees must earn at least £120 per week and provide a doctor’s note (fit note) if they are off work for more than seven days The current rate of SSP is £96.35 per week.
One of the major changes that is set to take place in April 2026 is an increase in the rate of SSP The government has announced that from April 2026, the rate of SSP will rise to £100 per week This increase aims to provide better support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
In addition to the increase in the rate of SSP, there may also be changes to the eligibility criteria for SSP The government is constantly reviewing the SSP regulations to ensure that they are fair and effective It is important for both employers and employees to stay up to date with any changes to SSP regulations to ensure compliance.
Employers should also be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay SSP to eligible employees and keep records of SSP payments Failure to comply with SSP regulations can result in penalties for employers.
Employees should be aware of their rights when it comes to SSP If an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury, they have the right to claim SSP from their employer Employees should provide their employer with a doctor’s note if they are off work for more than seven days.
It is also worth noting that SSP is not the only form of support available to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Some employers offer additional sick pay benefits, such as occupational sick pay, which may provide employees with a higher rate of pay or longer period of support.
In conclusion, it is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the current SSP regulations and any changes that may be taking place in April 2026 The increase in the rate of SSP from £96.35 to £100 per week is a positive step towards providing better support for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Employers should ensure that they comply with SSP regulations and pay SSP to eligible employees, while employees should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to claiming SSP By staying informed and up to date with SSP regulations, both employers and employees can ensure that they are prepared for any changes that may be on the horizon.