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📋 Toolbox Talk · Employment Rights

Statutory Sick Pay
from Day One

The April 2026 changes, how much SSP is, what to do if it's not paid, and long-term sickness.

📅 Last reviewed: October 2026📚 GOV.UK · Acas · nidirect · HMRC🇬🇧 UK-wideukworkrights.co.uk

⬇ Download free PDF

What changed

Since 6 April 2026

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is paid from the first full day of sickness absence, for up to 28 weeks.
There are no unpaid waiting days and no minimum earnings level any more.
This change applies in Northern Ireland as well as in Great Britain.

⚠ Watch out

SSP no longer has 3 unpaid waiting days.

How much

The rate

SSP is £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower.
In GB, average weekly earnings are worked out over the 8 weeks before the sickness absence. (The NI guide says 80% of your normal weekly earnings.)
Employees get SSP. Workers may also be entitled to it.
Your contract may pay more than SSP.

Not paid?

Disputes go to HMRC

If your employer will not pay SSP, or pays the wrong amount, ask them for a written statement of their decision.
If you still disagree, you can ask HMRC to make a formal decision about your SSP.

Long-term sickness

Your job and your health

You can be dismissed if a persistent or long-term illness makes it impossible to do your job — but your employer should first look for ways to support you and give you reasonable time to recover. Acas says dismissal should be a last resort.
If your condition counts as a disability, your employer must make reasonable adjustments, such as a phased return, flexible hours or part-time working.
Pregnancy loss before 24 weeks (GB): time off is treated as pregnancy-related sickness, and normal sick pay rules apply.
You build up holiday while you are off sick.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

I only earn £100 a week. Do I get SSP?

Since 6 April 2026 there is no minimum earnings level. You get 80% of your average weekly earnings, as that is lower than £123.25.

How long does SSP last?

Up to 28 weeks.

Who decides if my employer is right?

HMRC can make a formal decision.

Free rights guidance

Check your
sick pay rights

Get plain-English guidance on your rights and your employer's legal duties.

Acas

0300 123 1100

acas.org.uk

LRA (Northern Ireland)

03300 555 300

Labour Relations Agency

Citizens Advice / Advice NI

Free advice

citizensadvice.org.uk

UK Work Rights — Free guide

Employee Rights (England, Wales and Scotland)

ukworkrights.co.uk/guide-employee-rights-gb.html

General rights guidance only — not legal advice · © UK Work Rights Ltd · Company No. 17228507 · ICO Registration No. ZC239465 · Registered office: 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ · hello@ukworkrights.co.uk
Published by UK Work Rights Ltd
Drafted with AI assistance, using official sources.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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