Statutory Sick Pay Changes: What You Need to Know

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is changing.

The Employment Rights Bill is expected to bring in new rules - and as a business owner, you need to be ready.

No drama. No panic. Just a few practical updates.

Here’s what’s likely to happen - and what you can do to prepare.

What’s changing?

The government is reviewing SSP with a view to:

• Removing the current 3-day waiting period

• Extending SSP to employees earning below the lower earnings limit

• Providing clearer guidance for employers

The aim is better support for staff and fewer grey areas for businesses like yours.

How this affects your business

If these changes go ahead, you may need to:

• Start paying SSP from the first day of absence

• Provide SSP to more team members than before

• Update your internal systems and policies

And yes - it might feel like extra admin. But with the right setup, it doesn’t have to be painful.

5 practical steps to get ahead

1. Review your sickness policy

Make sure it’s crystal clear.
It should include:

• How employees report absence

• What they’re entitled to

• What happens next

A strong policy helps prevent confusion.

2. Tighten up your absence tracking

If you don’t already have a simple system, now’s the time.
You need clear records and visibility across your team - not a stack of scribbled notes.

3. Build in return-to-work conversations

Even a five-minute chat helps.
These check-ins support your staff, spot patterns early and create a natural return pathway.

4. Budget for possible cost changes

If SSP starts from day one, your costs might go up.
Factor that into your planning now - especially if you’ve got a high-turnover team or seasonal absences.

5. Get your managers up to speed

They’re your front line.
Make sure they understand the updates and feel confident applying policies fairly and supportively.

Why this matters

Getting your SSP process right doesn’t just avoid legal problems. It shapes your culture.

When employees feel supported and systems are clear:

• Absence is less disruptive

• People are more likely to return promptly

• Your team culture stays strong, even in difficult moments

And when policies are vague or inconsistent?
That’s when trust breaks down.

Ready for change?

These SSP updates are coming, but they’re also a great chance to review your approach.

We help businesses like yours put calm, practical systems in place that support both people and operations.

Book a call if you’d like help reviewing your policies or building a plan that works for your team