Changes to Statutory Sick Pay from April 2026

Here's what charities need to know.

From 6 April 2026, major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) come into force which is one of the most significant updates to employee sickness rights in years. Whether you’re an employer, trustee, or employee, these changes are set to reshape how sick pay works across the UK.

So, what’s actually changing?

One of the biggest shifts is the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit.

This means SSP will now be available to all employees, regardless of how much they earn.

Instead of a rigid flat eligibility threshold, payments will now be calculated as 80% of an employee’s earnings, or The current SSP flat rate whichever is lower.

Another major improvement: the end of “waiting days.”

Until now, employees had to wait until the fourth consecutive sick day before SSP kicked in. From April 2026 SSP will be payable from the very first full day of sickness absence

SSP enforcement is also getting an overhaul. Responsibility now sits with the newly established Fair Work Agency (FWA)—a single enforcement body created under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

The FWA brings together several existing enforcement functions into one organisation, streamlining oversight and strengthening worker protections.

Its role includes:

• Enforcing SSP compliance

• Upholding National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rules

• Regulating employment agencies

• Overseeing licensing requirements (such as gangmasters)

• Tackling serious labour exploitation

In short, the FWA is designed to provide stronger, more consistent protection for workers while simplifying enforcement for employers.

Why this matters

For organisations, this means reviewing current policies and procedures now to ensure they align with the new rules. For trustees and leaders in particular, this is a timely reminder to revisit sickness absence policies

Taking action now will help you stay compliant

and ensure your organisation is ready to support your people when it matters most.