05 Sep 2025 Statutory Sick Pay to increase from April 2026

From April 2026 Statutory Sickness Pay will no longer have a three-day waiting period, so workers can claim from day one of illness. More staff will be eligible, including those earning under £123 a week, such as part-time, seasonal, or casual workers. These workers will receive 80% of their wages while off sick. The standard SSP rate will also rise slightly, from £116.75 to £118.75 per week, for up to 28 weeks.  Employers should expect higher costs because sick pay starts earlier and covers more staff. Short-term absences may increase, particularly among seasonal and casual workers who were previously ineligible. Farm businesses with employees entitled to Agricultural Sick Pay (ASP) should note that ASP guarantees workers at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage while off sick, which includes any SSP. If ASP applies, both sets of rules must be followed.