What’s changing with Statutory Sick Pay from April 2026?

Firstly, the government will remove the minimum earnings requirement, so all employees qualify for SSP, regardless of their earnings or hours

Secondly, SSP will start from day one, ending the three unpaid waiting days.

Finally, the new calculation method means employees receive the lower of:

  • 80% of their normal weekly earning or
  • The SSP flat rate ( set annually by the government).

The Government will continue publishing SSP rates each year.