On 9 March 2026, the DWP issued updated guidance for software developers to manage the transition to new SSP rules, which take effect on 6 April 2026. The guidance provides specific instructions on implementing transitional protections for continuous sickness, handling employees who were previously ineligible due to earning below the lower earnings limit (LEL) and managing linked periods of sickness.
Reviewed and updated to help support organisations manage absence effectively in preparation for the changes to sick pay coming into effect under the Employment Rights Act 2025 in April 2026.
Reviewed and updated to incorporate guidance on conducting return-to-work meetings so that line managers can feel more confident addressing short-term sickness absence in advance of the changes to sick pay under the Employment Rights Act 2025.