The changes are expected to have the greatest impact on workplaces of all ERA measures, according to an Acas survey
31 March 2026
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is set to become payable from the first day of illness from next week (6 April) under Employment Rights Act changes.
This will replace the current three-day waiting period before staff become eligible.
In addition, the lower earnings limit of 125 per week will be removed, meaning workers will not need to earn a minimum amount to qualify for sick pay entitlement.
Statutory sick pay changes expected to have greatest workplace impact, survey finds
How HR can translate the Employment Rights Act into day-to-day practice
Under the new system, SSP will be paid at either 80 per cent of the employee’s average weekly earnings or at the standard rate of 123.25 per week, whichever is lowest.
The SSP changes will be accompanied by a host of other measures coming into effect the same day, including the establishment of the Fair Work Agency and a simplification of the trade union recognition process.
The SSP changes are expected to have a greater impact on workplaces than any other reform in the ERA, according to polling of employers by Acas. Nearly half (43 per cent) of employers and 36 per cent of workers said day-one sick pay would be the most significant change.
Jeremy Coy, senior associate in employment law at Russell-Cooke, said the SSP changes will be a “significant shift” for medium and large employers.
“Aside from the...
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