As the year 2026 approaches, many employees and employers in the UK are preparing for changes to the statutory sick pay system that will come into effect in April of that year These changes will impact how sick pay is calculated and paid to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury Understanding these changes is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the rights of workers who need time off due to illness.
Starting on April 6, 2026, the rules surrounding statutory sick pay will change in several ways One of the most significant changes is the increase in the weekly rate of statutory sick pay Currently set at £96.35 per week, the rate will increase to £100.55 per week in April 2026 This increase is intended to provide better financial support to employees who are on sick leave and to ensure that they can meet their basic needs while they are unable to work.
In addition to the increase in the weekly rate of statutory sick pay, there will also be changes to how sick pay is calculated for certain employees Currently, statutory sick pay is calculated based on an employee’s average earnings over a specific period of time However, starting in April 2026, the calculation will be based on an employee’s earnings over a longer reference period This change is designed to provide a more accurate reflection of an employee’s income and to ensure that they receive fair compensation while on sick leave.
Employers will also see changes to the process of claiming back statutory sick pay for eligible employees Currently, employers are required to fill out a specific form and submit it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to claim back sick pay for eligible employees However, starting in April 2026, this process will be simplified, and employers will be able to claim back statutory sick pay through their payroll system This change is intended to make it easier for employers to access the funds they need to support employees on sick leave and to streamline the administration of sick pay benefits.
Employees will also benefit from changes to the rules surrounding when statutory sick pay can be paid statutory sick pay april 2026. Currently, employees must be off work due to illness for at least four days in a row (including non-working days) to be eligible for statutory sick pay However, starting in April 2026, employees will only need to be off work due to illness for two days in a row to qualify for statutory sick pay This change is intended to provide faster access to financial support for employees who are unable to work due to illness and to ensure that they can receive the help they need without delay.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 are designed to improve the support available to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury By increasing the weekly rate of sick pay, changing how sick pay is calculated, simplifying the process of claiming back sick pay, and reducing the waiting period for employees to qualify for sick pay, these changes will make it easier for workers to access the financial support they need during difficult times.
Employers should familiarize themselves with these changes and ensure that they are ready to implement them in April 2026 This includes updating their payroll systems to reflect the new weekly rate of statutory sick pay, adjusting the calculation of sick pay for eligible employees, and understanding the new process for claiming back sick pay By staying informed and prepared for these changes, employers can ensure that they are compliant with the law and that they are providing the necessary support to employees who are on sick leave.
Employees should also be aware of these changes and understand their rights when it comes to statutory sick pay By knowing how much sick pay they are entitled to, how it is calculated, and how to qualify for it, employees can ensure that they receive the financial support they need when they are unable to work due to illness It is important for employees to communicate with their employers about their need for sick leave and to follow the proper procedures for claiming statutory sick pay to avoid any misunderstandings or delays in receiving their benefits.
In conclusion, the changes to statutory sick pay in April 2026 will have a significant impact on how sick pay is calculated and paid to employees in the UK Employers and employees alike should be prepared for these changes and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the rights of workers who are unable to work due to illness By staying informed, communicating openly, and following the proper procedures, both employers and employees can navigate these changes successfully and ensure that those in need of sick pay receive the support they deserve.