Statutory Sick Pay will change from April 2026.
The headline points are fairly simple, but they've prompted a lot of quiet concern from the business owners I speak to.
In practical terms, the changes mean:
• SSP being paid from the first day of sickness
• More employees qualifying, as the earnings threshold is removed
• SSP being linked to earnings (with a cap) rather than just a flat rate
For some businesses, this may increase absence costs. For many, the bigger challenge will be making sure sickness absence is handled consistently, fairly, and with confidence.
The reassuring bit is this: there's time.
April isn't far away, but most of what helps here isn't complicated. Clear policies, managers who know what good conversations look like, and a focus on early, supportive intervention rather than firefighting, will make all the difference.
Employment law changes all the time. When you approach it steadily and proportionately, it rarely needs to feel disruptive.
Need help preparing? Let's talk about what your business needs to do.
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