From April 2026, Statutory Sickness Pay will be payable from the first day of illness, removing the current three unpaid waiting days. All employees will be eligible, replacing the previous earnings threshold that restricted entitlement to those above the Lower Earnings Limit.
Entitlements will be either 80% of an employee’s average weekly earnings over 52 weeks or a flat rate of £118.75 per week.
Employers will need to update their sickness absence policies and procedures to align with the new rules. This includes ensuring clear absence reporting, conducting return-to-work interviews, and maintaining effective absence management systems. People managers will require guidance on supporting employees experiencing health issues.
Organisations should also anticipate potential operational impacts, including changes in short-term sickness patterns and possible reductions in presenteeism.
