New pay rule for any worker who gets ill – started in April | UK | News
Millions of workers across the UK are now covered by major changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) following new rules that came into force in April as part of the Labor Government’s overhaul of employment rights.
The changes, which come into force on 6 April 2026, mean that eligible employees can now collect sick pay from their first full day of leave, ending the previous three-day waiting period. The reforms also significantly increase access to sick pay across the workforce by removing the low earnings threshold that previously prevented some low-paid workers from qualifying for SSP.
Under the new rules, eligible employees will receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the statutory weekly wage of £123.25, whichever is lower.
The government has described the changes as part of plans to strengthen workplace protections and increase financial security for workers who fall ill.
Labor law experts have warned that the reforms will require businesses to make significant adjustments to their policies and payroll systems.
Legal experts at Capital Law said almost every employer will need to update employment contracts and employee handbooks to reflect the new authorization rules.
They added that payroll systems should be adapted to calculate the new 80% earnings-based payment where applicable and ensure sick pay is provided from the first day an employee is absent from work.
Capital Law also warned that some industries may face higher costs than others due to expanded eligibility criteria and early payment requirements.
“Mapping how the changes will affect you will be an important task for HR departments to allow accurate budgeting for the inevitable increase in SSP payments,” the firm said.
Managers will also need training on the new rules, while employers are encouraged to clearly communicate the changes to employees.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the reforms as part of a wider package of workplace changes being introduced by Labor.
“This Government is delivering the biggest improvement to workers’ rights in a generation,” he said.
“The Employment Rights Bill is good for workers, good for businesses and good for the economy.
“Improving people’s situations is a fundamental part of our agenda and will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The changes are expected to benefit millions of workers, especially those in low-paid jobs who were previously not entitled to statutory sick pay when they fell ill.
