Statutory sick pay now paid from the first day of absence

• From 6 April 2026, statutory sick pay (SSP) is paid from the first day of sickness absence, not the fourth. The lower earnings limit has gone, so all eligible employees qualify whatever they earn.
• SSP is the lower of £123.25 a week or 80% of average weekly earnings.
• Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now available from the first day of employment. A new Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave right also started on 6 April 2026.

Every practice and PCN that employs staff. GOV.UK says the sick pay changes apply across the whole UK. Absences that began before 6 April 2026 follow the old rules.