Overview
- Statutory Sick Pay will be paid from the first full day of absence from 6 April 2026, ending the three‑day waiting period.
- The Lower Earnings Limit is removed, expanding access to millions; the TUC says 4.7 million women will benefit, including about 830,000 newly eligible.
- SSP will be the lower of 80% of average weekly earnings or £123.25 per week, with earnings averaged over the eight weeks before absence.
- The new Fair Work Agency launches in April to enforce sick pay, holiday pay and minimum wage rules, as Acas prepares updated guidance after its impact survey.
- Employers are urged to update payroll and policies as minimum wage and statutory pay rates rise from April, with tougher harassment and ‘fire and rehire’ duties due in October and a shorter unfair‑dismissal qualifying period expected in January 2027.