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How We Calculate Statutory Sick Pay
Start with average weekly earnings
We use the employee’s average weekly earnings to work out the weekly SSP amount.
Apply the 2026 SSP rule
Weekly SSP is the lower of £123.25 or 80% of average weekly earnings.
Divide by qualifying days
We divide the weekly rate by the employee’s normal qualifying days to get a daily SSP rate.
Total payable SSP
We count qualifying sick days in the selected period and multiply them by the daily SSP rate.
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What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum level of sick pay employers must provide to eligible employees when they are unable to work due to illness.
It acts as a basic financial safety net during sickness absence and can be paid for up to 28 weeks, helping employees manage time away from work when they are recovering.
Understanding how SSP works helps employers stay compliant and gives employees a clearer idea of what support they may receive when they are off sick.
What has changed?
From 6 April 2026, SSP is paid from the first day of sickness instead of the fourth, and the lower earnings limit is removed.
The weekly SSP rate for 2026/27 is £123.25 or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
How SSP supports employees
SSP provides financial support when an employee is too ill to work, especially where no enhanced occupational sick pay is offered.
It is designed to give employees some income during recovery while helping employers manage sickness absence fairly and consistently.
How SSP is calculated
SSP is worked out using a weekly rate and the employee’s qualifying working days.
For lower-paid workers from 6 April 2026, SSP is paid at the lower of the flat weekly rate or 80% of average weekly earnings.
What should employers keep in mind?
Good SSP management depends on understanding eligibility, linked sickness periods, payroll accuracy, and the latest statutory updates.
Eligibility
From 6 April 2026, employees no longer need to meet a lower earnings threshold to qualify for SSP.
Connected sickness
Sickness periods that are close together may be linked, which affects how SSP is counted and paid.
Payroll accuracy
Using payroll and HR software can reduce manual errors and help make sure SSP is paid correctly and on time.
Manual SSP calculations
SSP is usually calculated by dividing the weekly rate by the number of qualifying working days in a week to get a daily amount.
This can then be applied to the number of payable sick days in the relevant absence period, making it easier to understand what is owed.
Why software helps
SSP can become more complex when linked absences, part-time patterns, parental leave, or overlapping benefits are involved.
HR and payroll software helps automate calculations, reduce disputes, and keep sick pay records accurate and compliant.
Calculate SSP with confidence
Use the calculator to work out sick pay quickly, apply the right rates, and manage sickness absence more accurately.
Calculate SSPStatutory Sick Pay FAQs
How much is Statutory Sick Pay in 2026/27?
From 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027, weekly Statutory Sick Pay is £123.25 or 80% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. The amount payable depends on how many qualifying days the employee is off sick.
How do you calculate Statutory Sick Pay for part of a week?
Divide the employee's weekly SSP rate by their number of qualifying days in that week, then multiply by the qualifying days they were off sick. For example, an employee receiving £123.25 a week with five qualifying days would receive £73.95 for three qualifying sick days.
Are the first three days of sickness unpaid?
Not under the rules introduced on 6 April 2026. Eligible employees can receive SSP from their first full qualifying day of sickness, without three waiting days. Absences that began before that date may require transitional rules.
Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Pay?
Generally, someone must be classed as an employee, have done some work for their employer and be sick for at least one full working day. Since 6 April 2026, there is no minimum earnings threshold. Other eligibility conditions and exclusions still apply, and employees must report their sickness on time.
Do part-time employees get Statutory Sick Pay?
Yes, if they meet the eligibility conditions. Calculate their weekly rate using the same rules as for full-time employees, then divide it by their own qualifying days. Do not simply reduce the weekly SSP rate in proportion to their working hours.
How long can an employee receive Statutory Sick Pay?
Eligible employees can receive SSP for up to 28 weeks. Linked periods of sickness can count towards the same entitlement, so a new absence does not always start a fresh 28-week allowance.
Does an employee need a fit note to receive SSP?
Employees can self-certify for the first seven calendar days of sickness. A fit note is normally needed if the absence lasts more than seven consecutive days, including weekends and other non-working days.
Is Statutory Sick Pay taxable?
Yes. SSP is paid through payroll on the employee's normal payday and is subject to tax and National Insurance where applicable. The calculator shows the SSP amount before deductions, rather than take-home pay.
What is the difference between SSP and company sick pay?
SSP is the statutory minimum for eligible employees. Company sick pay, also called contractual or occupational sick pay, may provide more under the employment contract. SSP can be included within company sick pay rather than paid on top.