Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) becomes payable from the first full day of sickness absence, due to the removal of the requirement to wait for three days before SSP becomes payable. The timing coincides with an increase in the statutory rate of sick pay on 6 April 2026 from £118.75 to £123.25 per week. Those who earn below the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) (set at £129 from 6 April 2026), will be entitled to receive SSP from day one at the lower of the statutory SSP or 80% of their weekly pay. In its fact sheet on SSP, the government estimates up to 1.3 million employees will become eligible for SSP. 

 

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