As of the 6 April 2026 changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and fit notes are now live. Your policies need to reflect day one payments and the new fit note approach or risk admin headaches and Acas queries.
SSP Pays From Day One
The three waiting days are gone: SSP kicks in from the first day of illness. The Lower Earnings Limit is scrapped, so part-timers and lower-paid staff now qualify where they didn’t before. Payments shift to around 80% of normal weekly earnings (capped if needed), replacing the flat £116.75 rate.
Expect more claims, higher costs and payroll tweaks. Without clear policy updates, you could overpay, underpay or face disputes.
Fit Notes Push Adjustments
Fit notes used to mainly say “not fit for work”, signing people off completely. Now, through ongoing pilots, healthcare professionals are encouraged to use “may be fit with support” instead – recommending helpful adjustments like lighter duties, phased returns or referrals to occupational health services.
Nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists can issue these too (not just GPs), so you might see employees requesting changes like shorter hours or workspace tweaks a bit earlier in their absence.
Update Your Processes Now
You will be required to Update your staff handbook to clearly explain self-certification (days 1-7), fit note rules and the new SSP process. Train your line managers to read fit notes properly and hold supportive return-to-work conversations. Plan for some extra costs, but remember the benefit – staff who feel supported are more likely to stay long-term.
We Have You Covered
Nexus HR can support your business to updates policies, trains teams and tailors’ absence processes to your business. From SSP calculations to fit note handling, we keep you compliant without the hassle.
Book a no-obligation review today and we will help you turn these changes into smoother operations. Call 01245 961982 or book online here
