DWP’s Statutory Sick Pay change to make many an additional £100 higher off every week

DWP is changing the rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) this month which could see some of UK’s lowest earners being given more money- here is everything you need to know

Over one million people will feel the impact of a significant government change from this week. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to increase the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rate, which could see some of the lowest earners pocketing up to £100 more each week.

Currently, those eligible can claim £116.75 per week in SSP for a maximum of 28 weeks if they’re too ill to work. To be eligible, you must be classified as an employee, earn at least £123 weekly, and have been sick for more than three consecutive days.

However, from April, the SSP rate is due to rise to £118.75 per week. This change will benefit around 1.3 million low-paid workers, who will receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or the new SSP rate when they’re off sick, whichever is lower.

This update is part of the government’s Plan for Change, designed to ‘strike the right balance’ between ensuring financial security for sick individuals and reducing costs for businesses. The World Bank has previously highlighted that economic growth in the UK is unattainable without improvements in productivity.

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP commented on the importance of investing in the workforce: “What we put into our workforce, we get back and more. That’s why we’re making Statutory Sick Pay a right for every worker for the first time so people can stay in work rather than risk dropping out.

“This is a pro-worker, pro-business government in action – boosting productivity while ensuring people don’t have to choose between health and wealth, helping deliver our Plan for Change.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, said: “For too long, sick workers have had to decide between staying at home and losing a day’s pay or soldiering on at their own risk just to make ends meet.

“No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living, which is why we are making this landmark change. The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses as part our plan to boost rights and Make Work Pay, while delivering our Plan for Change.”

Over 1,700 responses were received during a six-week consultation period, contributing to the improvements to SSP. These responses represented the views of workers, businesses, charities, and unions.

In March, the DWP also announced that a Legislative Consent Motion would be sought to reflect its SSP developments in Northern Ireland. Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Secretary Paul Nowak previously added: “Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become ill. These reforms will stop millions from facing a financial cliff edge if they get sick.

“Making statutory sick pay available to all workers – and from day one – shows why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important. With sick pay rights from the first day of sickness, you will know that your family is protected.

“And you can take the time you need to recover. We hope this is the start of a programme of sick pay reform and will continue to make the case for higher future sick pay rates.”

Can I receive SSP?

Government advice states that you must be classed as an employee, earning an average of at least £123 per week to qualify. You must also have been ill for more than three days in a row, including non-working days.

Typically, you must inform your employer that you cannot work before their set deadline or within seven days if they haven’t specified one. If your illness lasts longer than seven days, you must obtain a sick note from a GP, nurse, therapist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist.

Despite this, you will not be eligible in the following instances:

• You have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks)
• You are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay

The government adds: “You can still qualify if you started your job recently and you have not received eight weeks’ pay yet. Ask your employer to find out more.”