SSP is changing – are you ready for April 2026?

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to make SSP more inclusive. But it also means employers need to rethink how they manage absence and pay. 

We’ve created a quick-read one-pager to help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare. 

What’s changing from April 2026? 

• Day-one entitlement 
  SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness (no more waiting days) 

• Eligibility for all workers 
  The Lower Earnings Limit will be scrapped – SSP becomes universal 

• Fairer support for lower earners 
  Employees earning under the flat rate will receive 80% of average earnings or SSP, whichever is lower 

These changes are expected to come into force with the Employment Rights Bill. 

What you need to do now 

• Review absence and sick pay policies 

• Check your payroll systems can handle day-one payments 

• Train managers on record-keeping and communication 

• Budget for the impact on sick pay costs 

• Reassess any enhanced sick pay schemes 

Why it matters 

Proactively managing absences helps your stay compliant while looking after your people and keeping your business running smoothly.  

We’re here to help you prepare ahead of time so there’s no last-minute scrambling. 

Get the latest information on the SSP changes by filling in the form.