UK employment-law guide
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in 2026: the new day-one rules
From 6 April 2026 SSP is payable from day one, the lower earnings limit no longer excludes lower-paid staff, and SSP is the lower of the flat weekly rate or 80% of normal weekly earnings.
- No more three waiting days — SSP is due from the first qualifying day.
- Lower earners are no longer excluded by the LEL.
- The weekly amount is the lower of the flat rate or 80% of average weekly earnings.
- WardHR computes the exact figure deterministically and keeps the signed record.
Common questions
When does SSP start for an employee who goes off sick in 2026?
From 6 April 2026 SSP is payable from the first qualifying day of sickness — the three waiting days no longer apply.
Do low earners below the lower earnings limit get SSP?
Yes. From April 2026 the lower earnings limit no longer excludes lower-paid staff; they receive the lower of the flat weekly rate or 80% of their average weekly earnings.
How is the SSP weekly amount calculated?
It is the lower of the flat statutory weekly rate or 80% of the employee's average weekly earnings, calculated over the statutory reference period.
Get this right automatically
WardHR computes the figures from current UK statutory rates, keeps a signed, retained record, and grounds every answer in cited law. It’s provided through your insurer or accountant — start free.
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General guidance, not legal advice — the employer remains responsible. WardHR assists against current UK law.