Preparing for Statutory Sick Pay Changes

What employers need to understand before April 2026

Statutory Sick Pay is undergoing one of the most significant changes in recent years. Planned reforms are expected to expand eligibility and introduce payment from the first day of sickness, increasing both administrative and financial exposure for employers. While often viewed as a payroll issue, the true impact of SSP reform extends into absence reporting, attendance accuracy and process design.

What is changing with SSP
The removal of earnings thresholds and waiting days means more employees will qualify for SSP and payments will begin earlier. This increases the volume of SSP calculations and places greater importance on accurate, timely absence reporting.

Why SSP changes affect more than payroll
SSP accuracy depends on when sickness is reported and how it is recorded. Weaknesses in absence notification processes quickly translate into payroll errors, disputes and compliance risk as entitlement expands.

Why early preparation matters
Employers who review absence reporting, attendance verification and payroll integration now will be better placed to manage SSP reform smoothly. Clear processes and reliable data reduce administrative burden and protect both employers and employees.

How Assyst supports SSP readiness
Assyst connects absence reporting, attendance data and payroll processes into a single platform. This integrated approach improves accuracy, reduces rework and supports compliant SSP processing as statutory requirements evolve.