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ARTICLE · 11 NOVEMBER 2026

Family Leave And Statutory Sick Pay Changes

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UK employment law is going through some significant changes, with new rights affecting family leave and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) having been introduced earlier this year, and further changes planned for 2027.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Sarah Garth
Sarah Garth

UK employment law is going through some significant changes, with new rights affecting family leave and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) having been introduced earlier this year, and further changes planned for 2027.

The changes, which have been introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, are designed to provide increased financial support for employees who are unwell and to make family leave more accessible, particularly for those who have recently started a new job.

The main changes are as follows:

Statutory Sick Pay

On 6 April 2026, the three ‘waiting days’ requirement was removed. As a result, SSP is now payable from the first full day of sickness absence rather than the fourth day.

Also on 6 April 2026, the Lower Earnings Limit was removed, meaning that eligible employees can now qualify for SSP regardless of how much they earn. This is particularly significant for people working part-time, irregular hours, or in lower-paid roles.

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