What changes are being made to Statutory Sick Pay?

The Act introduces significant reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), with the aim of extending access to sick pay and improving support for workers who are unable to work because of illness.

Key changes include:

• The removal of the three-day waiting period, meaning SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness absence rather than the fourth day.
• The removal of the Lower Earnings Limit for SSP eligibility, allowing many lower-paid workers who were previously excluded to qualify for sick pay.
• A new approach for lower-paid workers, ensuring that those earning below the standard SSP threshold can still receive a proportion of their normal earnings when off sick.

These changes are intended to ensure that more workers have access to financial support when they are ill and reduce the pressure on people to attend work when they are unwell.

The reforms apply to Statutory Sick Pay only. Employers will still be able to offer more generous occupational sick pay schemes if they choose to do so.

What this means for union reps

• Many workers who were previously excluded from SSP, particularly lower-paid workers, may become entitled to sick pay for the first time.
• Members will be able to receive SSP from the first day of sickness absence, removing the current waiting period.
• Reps may see an increase in queries about eligibility, particularly from part-time, low-paid and insecure workers.
• Collective bargaining will remain important, as occupational sick pay schemes often provide more generous support than the statutory minimum.