As part of the Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay, changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) are on the way that may affect how you manage employee leave.

Through the new Employment Rights Bill, SSP will be strengthened to ensure that all employees have access to it from day one of sickness, regardless of how much they earn.

What this means for you:

• No more waiting period: Employees will now be eligible for SSP starting from their first day of sickness absence, instead of waiting until day four under the current rules.
• Wider eligibility: The Lower Earnings Limit is being removed. This means even employees with lower or variable earnings will now qualify for SSP if they’re off sick.
• Updated payment structure: Employees will be entitled to 80% of their normal weekly earnings, or the flat rate of £118.75 (whichever is lower).

In addition, the Department for Business and Trade is working to establish a new Fair Work Agency—an executive body that will bring together several enforcement functions into one place. This agency will also take on the enforcement of new rights, including the right to SSP.