If you go off sick in the UK in 2026, the rules are very different from previous years.
On paper, things have improved.
In reality?
👉 You can still end up with very little money — and in some cases, still nothing.
This guide explains exactly what you’ll get, based on the new rules from April 2026.
UK Sick Pay 2026 (New Rules From April)
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has changed in three major ways:
1. You now get paid from Day 1
There are no more unpaid waiting days
(Previously, the first 3 days were unpaid)
2. More people qualify
The minimum earnings threshold has been removed
👉 Even low earners and part-time workers can now qualify
3. SSP is now capped differently
You get:
- £123.25 per week
- OR 80% of your average weekly earnings
- 👉 whichever is lower
How Much Sick Pay You Actually Get
Let’s break this down properly.
If you earn full-time minimum wage (£12.71/hour)
- Weekly earnings: ~£508
- 80% of that: ~£406
But…
👉 You will NOT get £406
Because SSP is capped.
Real SSP you receive:
- £123.25 per week
That’s the maximum for most full-time workers
Monthly Sick Pay (Reality)
- Weekly SSP: £123.25
- Monthly: ~£530
Compare that to:
- Normal take-home: ~£1,850–£1,900
👉 You lose around £1,300+ per month
The Big Change Most People Miss
The biggest improvement in 2026 is this:
👉 Low earners now get sick pay
Before April 2026:
- If you earned under ~£123/week → you got nothing
Now:
- You qualify regardless of earnings
- But you only get 80% of your pay (if lower than £123.25)
What I See Happen in Real Jobs
Even with these changes, the reality hasn’t improved as much as people think.
Most people assume:
“Sick pay has gone up, so I’ll be fine”
Then they actually go off sick and realise:
- They’re getting £500-ish a month
- Bills are still £1,500+
In the types of roles I deal with (warehouse, industrial, transport):
- Nearly all employers only offer SSP — nothing extra
- Very few offer full sick pay unless you’re in senior roles
I’ve seen people:
- Come back too early
- Work through illness
- Avoid reporting sickness altogether
👉 purely because SSP isn’t enough to live on
Who Still Gets Very Little
Even though more people qualify now, many still get very low pay.
Part-Time Workers
You now qualify — but:
- SSP = 80% of your earnings
- So if you earn £150/week → SSP = £120
Zero-Hours Workers
You can qualify now, but:
- Payments depend on average earnings
- Income can be unpredictable
Low Paid Workers
Now included — but:
- SSP will be much lower than £123.25
- Because it’s based on 80% of earnings
Who Still Gets Nothing
Despite the changes, some people still don’t get SSP:
Self-Employed
You still get no statutory sick pay
Instead, you’d need to claim:
- Universal Credit
- New Style ESA
Some Agency Setups
If not classed as an employee (rare but happens):
- You may not qualify
Do Employers Have to Pay More?
No.
Employers only have to pay:
👉 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Some companies offer Company Sick Pay, but in most entry-level jobs:
- You will only get SSP
- Nothing extra
The Reality of Sick Pay in 2026
Yes, the system is better than before:
- You get paid from day one
- More workers qualify
But the core issue hasn’t changed:
👉 The amount is still very low
For most people, going off sick means:
- A massive drop in income
- Immediate financial pressure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is sick pay in the UK in 2026?
Statutory Sick Pay is £123.25 per week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).
Do you still have to wait 3 days for sick pay?
No — from April 2026, SSP is paid from day one of sickness.
Can low earners now get sick pay?
Yes. The minimum earnings threshold has been removed, meaning more workers now qualify.
Why is my sick pay so low?
Because SSP is capped at £123.25 per week or 80% of your earnings — whichever is lower.
Do zero-hours workers get sick pay in 2026?
They can now qualify, but payments depend on their average earnings.
Do self-employed people get sick pay?
No — self-employed workers do not get SSP.
Can my employer pay more than SSP?
Yes, but they don’t have to. Most minimum wage and agency jobs only offer SSP.
You may also find these related guides useful
15 UK Jobs That Don’t Require UK Work Experience (For Foreigners)
15 Easiest Jobs for Foreigners to Get in the UK (2025 Guide)
Top 10 No-Experience Jobs in the UK (2025 Guide)
How to Write a UK CV in 2025: Simple Guide With Real Examples