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Try our free statutory sick pay calculatorSSP due for days off sick under the rules from April 2026.
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Statutory Sick Pay changes from April 2026
SSP is now paid from the first day of sickness and there's no longer a minimum earnings requirement.
From 6 April 2026 the rules for Statutory Sick Pay changed.
What's different
- SSP is paid from the first full day of sickness — there are no longer three waiting days
- There's no minimum earnings requirement, so lower-paid employees now qualify
- The weekly rate is £123.25 or 80% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower
- It's still paid for up to 28 weeks
What employers should do
Update your payroll and sickness absence policy, and check your budget — more absences now qualify for SSP from day one.
Use our Statutory Sick Pay calculator to work out what's due, or let us run your payroll for you.
Want help with this?Talk to a Beatax accountant — no jargon, no chasing.