A significant change is coming for over a million UK workers this April, linked to how Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) protects income during periods of illness. While the full impact remains to be seen, early indications suggest a financial improvement for many.
According to DevonLive, this reform is tied to wider government efforts under the Plan for Change. More details are emerging on what this shift means in practical terms—and who stands to gain the most.
Revised Sick Pay Rules to Support Workforce Recovery
Under the new framework, eligible employees will receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the standard SSP rate of £118.75 per week, whichever is higher.
This is a modest increase from the current flat rate of £116.78. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 1.3 million people will benefit from this policy shift.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated :
What we put into our workforce, we get back and more. That’s why we’re making Statutory Sick Pay a right for every worker for the first time so people can stay in work rather than risk dropping out.
This is a pro-worker, pro-business government in action – boosting productivity, while ensuring people don’t have to choose between health and wealth, helping deliver our Plan for Change.
Accessibility and Protection From Day One
The new measures will eliminate previous restrictions that excluded certain categories of workers.
Statutory Sick Pay will now be available from the first day of illness, a significant shift from current rules that impose a three-day unpaid waiting period—except in cases where SSP had already been paid within the last eight weeks, including a previous three-day delay.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall commented on the change :
For too long, sick workers have had to decide between staying at home and losing a day’s pay or soldiering on at their own risk just to make ends meet.
No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living, which is why we are making this landmark change. The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses as part our plan to boost rights and Make Work Pay, while delivering our Plan for Change.
Union Response and Push for Further Reform
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) welcomed the reform. General Secretary Paul Nowak stated :
Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become ill. These reforms will stop millions from facing a financial cliff edge if they get sick.
He also emphasised the significance of tying this reform to ongoing legislative changes :
Making statutory sick pay available to all workers – and from day one – shows why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important. With sick pay rights from the first day of sickness, you will know that your family is protected.
And you can take the time you need to recover. We hope this is the start of a programme of sick pay reform and will continue to make the case for higher future sick pay rates.
Union Response and Push for Further Reform
To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), a worker must be employed and have completed some work for their employer, earn an average of at least £123 per week, and have been ill for more than three consecutive days, including non-working days.
Employees holding multiple jobs may be entitled to receive SSP from each employer, although standard deductions such as income tax and National Insurance still apply.
SSP is available for up to 28 weeks, but individuals who have already reached this limit or are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay are not eligible.
Broader Implications for Workforce and Policy
The reform aligns with wider goals to enhance economic security, reduce absenteeism linked to financial stress, and strengthen the connection between labor rights and public health.
The measure marks a significant shift; stakeholders, including trade unions, have indicated that further increases to the SSP rate could be necessary to ensure equitable support for low-income and part-time workers.
