Absence/attendance

New and updated

• Type:

  How to

  How to implement a phased return to work after long-term sickness absence

  From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period and minimum earnings requirement for eligibility for SSP. This simplifies the administration of SSP during a phased return to work.

• Type:

  FAQs

  In what circumstances can employees claim statutory sick pay?

  Eligibility for SSP is extended to more employees from 6 April 2026, as the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period and the minimum earnings requirement.

• Type:

  FAQs

  What should an employee be paid during a phased return to work from sickness absence?

  From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period and minimum earnings requirement for eligibility for SSP. This simplifies the administration of SSP during a phased return to work.

• Type:

  Letters and forms

  SSP1 form

  We highlight that the GOV.UK page with the SSP1 form was updated on 6 April 2026 with a second version of the form that reflects changes to the rules on statutory sick pay eligibility in effect from that date. This prescribed form explains to a sick employee ineligible for statutory sick pay why they are not eligible and it is important that employers use the right version.

• Type:

  Letters and forms

  Letter to employees confirming changes to eligibility for statutory sick pay

  Use our template letter to inform employees of changes to eligibility for statutory sick pay, now that the Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 have been published. The new eligibility rules and transitional arrangements will come into force on 6 April 2026.

• Date:

  26 March 2026

  Type:

  Podcasts and webinars

  Webinar: Employment Rights Act 2025 - Sick pay changes and practical steps to success

  In this 60-minute webinar HR leader Rochelle Murinas talks through the changes which are designed to make SSP fairer and more accessible - but also mean businesses need to prepare for the financial and administrative impact.

• Type:

  Contract clauses

  Sickness and sick pay contract clause

  Use our updated template wording to review and amend your organisation’s sick pay clause to remove wording that will no longer be accurate and reflect changes to statutory sick pay eligibility introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025. These changes come into force on 6 April 2026.

• Type:

  Policies and procedures

  Short-term sickness absence policy

  Use our updated template wording to review and amend your organisation’s sick pay provisions to remove wording that will no longer be accurate and reflect changes to statutory sick pay eligibility introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025. These changes come into force on 6 April 2026.

• Type:

  Policies and procedures

  Long-term sickness absence policy

  Use our updated template wording to review and amend your organisation’s sick pay provisions to remove wording that will no longer be accurate and reflect changes to statutory sick pay eligibility introduced through the Employment Rights Act 2025. These changes come into force on 6 April 2026.

• Type:

  Quick reference

  Statutory sick pay (SSP)

  Updated to reflect the statutory sick pay rate in force from 6 April 2026.