From April 2026, significant changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will take effect, making more employees eligible and increasing employer responsibilities. These changes include removing the Lower Earnings Limit, introducing SSP from day one of absence, and entitling employees to the lower of a flat rate or 80% of usual earnings as their weekly rate of SSP.
As a result, over a million more employees may qualify for SSP, increasing the potential impact on small businesses. The HR Dept Shropshire can play a vital role in helping employers prepare by reviewing current policies, identifying gaps, and ensuring compliance with the new rules before they come into force.
To manage these changes effectively, The HR Dept Shropshire can help small businesses to strengthen sickness absence procedures by implementing best practices. This includes requiring direct telephone reporting of illness, maintaining accurate absence records, and conducting consistent return-to-work interviews. These steps can help identify patterns of misuse and ensure fairness in handling genuine cases.
The HR Dept Shropshire can also guide investigations into suspicious absences, provide support to managers, and ensure compliance with discrimination laws. By proactively responding to policy updates and offering expert advice, The HR Dept Shropshire can help businesses reduce risk and maintain productivity under the new SSP framework.
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