๐ค
Sick pay from day one โ the April 2026 SSP rule change explained
4 min read
For decades, UK workers had to wait 3 "qualifying days" before Statutory Sick Pay kicked in โ meaning the first week of illness could be almost entirely unpaid for many workers. That changed on 6 April 2026 when the Employment Rights Act abolished the waiting period entirely.
What Changed?
- Before April 2026: SSP began on day 4 of illness. Days 1โ3 were unpaid "waiting days." A week-long illness could yield just 2 days of SSP.
- From April 2026: SSP begins on day 1 of illness. No waiting period. A full week of illness earns a full week of SSP.
Current SSP Rate (2026/27)
SSP is paid at ยฃ116.75 per week (2026/27 rate) for up to 28 weeks. This equates to approximately ยฃ23.35 per working day (based on a 5-day working week).
Who Qualifies?
To receive SSP you must:
- Be classed as an employee (not self-employed or on certain atypical contracts)
- Earn at least ยฃ123/week (the Lower Earnings Limit) on average
- Have been ill for at least 1 day (3 days before April 2026)
- Inform your employer of your sickness according to their notification procedure (usually within 7 days, medical note required after 7 days)
Zero Hours and Part-Time Workers
SSP entitlement now extends more broadly to workers on irregular contracts, including many zero-hours workers. The key test is whether you meet the Lower Earnings Limit on average over the preceding 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer have to pay full salary when I'm sick?
No. SSP is the legal minimum. Some employers offer "contractual sick pay" at a higher rate (e.g., full pay for 3 months). Check your employment contract. If your employer only offers SSP, that's their legal minimum and you cannot force them to pay more (unless your contract promises otherwise).
What happens after 28 weeks of SSP?
After SSP ends, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit if you cannot return to work. Your employer should issue an SSP1 form when SSP ends to support these claims.
Calculate your SSP entitlement with our SSP Calculator.