Changes to eligibility for statutory sick pay

Implementation date: April 2026

The Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to make statutory sick pay (SSP) available to all workers. The Bill removes:

  • the requirement to earn at least the lower earnings limit; and
  • the three-day waiting period for workers to be entitled to SSP.

Following a consultation, the Bill sets the percentage rate for those earning below the current rate of SSP at 80% of normal weekly earnings.

The Government has confirmed, in Implementing the Employment Rights Bill: Our roadmap for delivering change, that these measures will take effect in April 2026.