Changes to Eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay

Written By Bianca McCarthy

Implementation date: 6 April 2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 includes provisions to make statutory sick pay (SSP) available to all workers. The Act removes:

  • the requirement to earn at least the lower earnings limit; and

  • the three-day waiting period for workers to be entitled to SSP.

 

Following a consultation, the Act sets the percentage rate for those earning below the current rate of SSP at 80% of normal weekly earnings.

 

In its Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update, the Government has confirmed that this measure will take effect on 6 April 2026.  

 

If you would like some guidance on these changes, would like to audit your sick pay policy and procedure, or would like to update your employment contracts, policies and procedures, please do let us know on info@sos-hr.co.uk or call 01473 276 170.

Bianca McCarthy
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