Statutory Sick Pay
The minimum employers must pay staff who are off sick. Since April 2026 it is paid from the first day of sickness, with no minimum earnings test.
Statutory Sick Pay (weekly maximum)
£123.25
Employees get this or 80% of their average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Paid from the first day of sickness since 6 April 2026, when the three unpaid waiting days and the minimum earnings test were abolished.
GOV.UK — DWP · since 6 Apr 2026 · checked 30 Sep 2026
Rate for lower earners
80%
Of average weekly earnings, if that comes to less than the weekly maximum.
GOV.UK — DWP · since 6 Apr 2026 · checked 30 Sep 2026
What's changed
- 6 April 2026 Statutory Sick Pay (weekly maximum) rose from £118.75 to £123.25.