As we enter the month of April 2026, many employees may find themselves in a situation where they need to take time off work due to illness During these times, it is essential to understand the provisions and entitlements under statutory sick pay (SSP) in the UK In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about statutory sick pay for the month of April 2026.
What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a form of financial support provided by employers to employees who are unable to work due to illness It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to their employees who meet the eligibility criteria SSP is designed to help employees during periods of sickness when they are unable to work and earn their regular income.
Eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay
To be eligible for statutory sick pay, employees must meet certain criteria Firstly, they must be classed as an employee and have been sick for at least four consecutive days, including non-working days Employees must also earn at least £120 per week on average to be entitled to SSP It is important to note that self-employed individuals are not eligible for statutory sick pay.
Rates and Duration of Statutory Sick Pay
As of April 2026, the rate of statutory sick pay is £96.35 per week SSP is paid by employers for a maximum of 28 weeks Employees must inform their employer of their illness and absence from work within the specified time frame to be eligible for SSP statutory sick pay april 2026. If an employee is unable to work due to illness for more than seven days, they will need to provide a fit note from a doctor.
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April 2026
In April 2026, there are no major changes to the statutory sick pay provisions in the UK The rate of SSP remains the same at £96.35 per week, and the eligibility criteria also remain unchanged Employers are still required to pay SSP to eligible employees who are unable to work due to illness for up to 28 weeks.
How to Claim Statutory Sick Pay
To claim statutory sick pay, employees must inform their employer of their illness and absence from work as soon as possible Employers may have their own procedures for reporting sickness absence, so it is important to follow these guidelines Employees must provide their employer with the necessary information, such as the reason for their absence and the expected duration of their illness.
Employers are required to pay SSP to eligible employees in the same way as their regular wages, at the same intervals as their usual pay If an employer denies an employee SSP or fails to pay the correct amount, the employee can seek advice from a trade union representative or contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for assistance.
In Conclusion
Statutory sick pay is a valuable form of support for employees who are unable to work due to illness As we enter April 2026, it is essential for both employers and employees to be aware of their rights and obligations regarding SSP By understanding the eligibility criteria, rates, and duration of SSP, employees can ensure they receive the financial support they are entitled to during periods of sickness If you have any questions or concerns about statutory sick pay, it is recommended to seek advice from a legal professional or HR specialist for guidance.