ACS is reminding retailers about new guidance on changes to Statutory Sick Pay rules coming into force in April 2026.
The new rules, which form part of the wider Employment Rights Act, will mean that Statutory Sick Pay will be payable from the first qualifying day of sickness – removing the existing three ‘waiting days’. SSP will also be available to more employees as the Lower Earnings Limit will be removed.
The guidance, which is on the ACS website, sets out the key changes to SSP rules, what retailers should do ahead of April to prepare, details on how to update the sick leave policy for the business, and FAQs on the changes.
The Employment Rights Act will also introduce a range of other measures aimed at ‘making work pay’. These include:
· Ending exploitative zero hours contracts
· Giving greater protections against unfair dismissal from six months of employment
· Day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for workers
· Changing the law to make flexible working the default for all, unless the employer can prove it’s unreasonable
· Requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent third-party harassment in the workplace
· Requiring reasonable notice for shift changes
The changes come alongside the new rates of the National Living Wage, also being introduced on April 1. The new headline NLW rate will be £12.71 per hour, a 50p increase on the current rate.
ACS members who are unsure about how to adapt their procedures, or who are looking for additional support in transitioning to the new SSP rules or anything on the wider Employment Rights Act, are encouraged to contact ACS’ Legal Helpline where an initial 30-minute consultation is available free of charge.
