09/03/2026
Are You Ready? Day One SSP Is Coming
From April, significant changes under the Employment Rights Act will transform how employers manage sickness absence.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be payable from Day One, and the Lower Earnings Limit will be removed, meaning all employees will qualify for SSP regardless of their earnings.
For many organisations, this represents a major shift in how short-term absence is handled. With sickness absence already high across many sectors, employers may see increased payroll costs and additional operational pressures.
So what should employers be doing now?
✔ Review and update absence policies to reflect Day One SSP
✔ Ensure payroll systems are ready to calculate SSP from the first day of absence
✔ Train managers to handle absence conversations consistently and supportively
✔ Strengthen return-to-work processes and early wellbeing interventions
✔ Analyse absence data to identify trends and prevent recurring issues
With April fast approaching, this is the time for organisations to ensure policies, payroll systems and management processes are fully prepared.
Taking action now will help businesses stay compliant, manage costs effectively, and minimise disruption when the new rules come into force.
