How does Statutory Sick Pay work?
You must pay Statutory Sick Pay from the first day an employee is off sick, for up to 28 weeks. The rate is the lower of the flat weekly rate or 80% of their normal pay.
You must pay Statutory Sick Pay from the first day an employee is off sick. Every employee qualifies, with no minimum they have to earn.
The rate is the lower of two figures: the flat weekly rate, which is £123.25 as of April 2026, or 80% of their normal weekly pay. You pay whichever is lower.
You pay it for as long as they are off sick, up to 28 weeks.
You can pay more under a company sick pay scheme, but you must always pay the statutory minimum.