[Updated for changes from 6th April 2026]

Rates for the current and previous year are given (The rates for the previous year are shown in brackets)

Self-Certificates for Sickness Absence

Normally an employee is required to provide a self-certificate to cover the first 7 calendar days* of a period of sick absence. From the eighth consecutive day of absence, a medical certificate should be provided. That has been the requirement for many years.

A fit note may also be signed and issued by a nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist but the issuing person must be familiar with the individual’s medical history.

For on-going medical conditions, a doctor may issue the first certificate to cover a period of up to 3 months. A second certificate can be issued for a longer period as determined appropriate by the medical practitioner.

Statutory Sick Pay known as SSP ~/

Employers often have different pay and conditions to qualify for payment of sickness absence. You should find those in your terms of appointment. Some employers just pay the statutory sick pay rates and apply the conditions of the Govenment Scheme to staff.

This note deals with the Government sick pay scheme known as Statutory Sick Pay; the payment rates usually change from 6th April each year. Significant changes will occur to the scheme from 6th April 2026 as noted below.

Statutory Sick Pay Rate from 06/04/2026 = £123.25 per week (£118.75 2025/26)

Important changes to the conditions for Stautory Sick Pay ~/

From 6th April 2026, the following will change:

i) the ‘waiting period’ of 3 days will no longer apply as sick pay will be payable from the first full quaifying day of sickness absence;

ii) the rate of Statutory Sick Pay for all employees will be calculated at whichever is the lower of either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the flat weekly rate:

– The flat weekly rate from 6th April 2026 will be £123.25 per week;
– The average weekly earnings will be based on the last 8 weeks before the individual’s absence due to sickness.

iii) the Lower Earnings Limit will be scrapped;

If you receive Statutory Maternity Pay, you will not be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay.

TIP – some employers may have more beneficial terms for sickness and/or have different requirements for notification of sickness. Check your written particulars of employment or employee handbook for details.