The Government has now published the enabling regulations for the SSP changes coming into force on 6th April under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 confirm the following changes from 6th April:
- SSP becomes payable from day 1 of sickness, instead of day 4.
- The lower earnings limit is removed, meaning that all eligible employees, regardless of earnings, will be entitled to SSP.
- The amount of SSP payable will be the lower of the statutory rate (£123.25 per week for 26/27) and 80% of the employee’s normal weekly earnings.
The Regulations also contain detailed transitional provisions for employees whose period of absence begins just before the 6th April, when there is still a waiting period to become eligible for SSP.