STATUTORY SICK PAY – SSP is changing in April 2026

are you ready?

From 6 April 2026, the way Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) works is changing.

These reforms will affect who qualifies for SSP, when payments begin, and how much some employees receive. As a result, many employers will need to review and update their employment contracts, sickness absence policies, payroll processes and internal documentation to remain compliant.

With different entitlement rules, changes to waiting days, and potential impacts on lower-paid and part-time workers, it’s easy to see how confusion could arise especially if you operate your own Company Sick Pay scheme alongside SSP.

That’s where Citation’s free HR advice line can help.

Their experts can guide you through questions such as:

• I have a lot of part-time employees – how will the SSP changes affect them?
• What rate should I pay lower-paid workers when they’re off sick?
• If we offer Company Sick Pay, do these changes still apply to us?
• How can I manage the potential impact of increased sickness absence?
• What updates do I need to make to contracts and policies?

…and much more.

If you’re unsure how the changes affect your business, help is just a phone call away.

For friendly, practical and confidential advice that puts your business first, get in touch today. Call 0161 504 0843 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
Remember to quote LCAS when you call.