As we head into April 2026, it’s important for employers and employees alike to be aware of any changes that may impact statutory sick pay Statutory sick pay is a payment made by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury It is a legal requirement in the UK, and the government sets the rules and rates for statutory sick pay
In April 2026, there are some important changes to statutory sick pay that both employers and employees need to be aware of The changes are designed to ensure that employees receive the support they need when they are unable to work due to illness, while also balancing the financial burden on employers.
One of the key changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 is an increase in the rate of payment From April 6th, the statutory sick pay rate will rise from £95.85 to £100 per week This means that employees who are eligible for statutory sick pay will receive a higher rate of payment when they are off work due to illness or injury.
Another important change to statutory sick pay in April 2026 is an extension of the qualifying period Currently, employees must have been off work due to illness for at least four days in a row to be eligible for statutory sick pay From April 6th, this qualifying period will be extended to eight days This means that employees will need to be off work due to illness for a longer period of time before they are eligible for statutory sick pay.
Employers will also have new responsibilities under the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 statutory sick pay april 2026. Employers will now be required to provide employees with a statement of their entitlement to statutory sick pay when they are absent from work due to illness This statement must include details of the employee’s entitlement to statutory sick pay, the rate of payment, and how the payment will be made.
In addition, employers will need to keep detailed records of statutory sick pay payments and provide these records to HM Revenue and Customs if requested Employers who fail to comply with these new requirements could face penalties, so it’s essential for employers to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the updated rules.
For employees, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 mean that they may need to plan for longer periods of absence from work due to illness With the qualifying period for statutory sick pay increasing to eight days, employees will need to be prepared for the possibility of being without income for a longer period of time if they are unable to work due to illness.
Employees should also be aware of their rights under the updated rules for statutory sick pay If an employee believes they are eligible for statutory sick pay but their employer is refusing to make the payment, they can seek advice and support from organisations such as ACAS or Citizens Advice.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are designed to provide employees with greater support when they are unable to work due to illness, while also ensuring that employers are meeting their responsibilities under the law By understanding the changes to statutory sick pay and how they may impact both employers and employees, we can all work together to create a fair and supportive working environment for everyone.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will have a significant impact on both employers and employees From an increase in the rate of payment to an extension of the qualifying period, there are several key changes that everyone needs to be aware of By understanding these changes and ensuring compliance with the updated rules, we can all work together to support those who are unable to work due to illness and create a fair and supportive working environment for all.