Sick pay in United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In Great Britain the employer pays Statutory Sick Pay of £123.25 a week or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for up to 28 weeks. It is paid once the employee has been sick for at least one full working day. A fit note is needed after more than 7 days in a row.

RuleWhat applies
Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to workThe employer pays Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to eligible employees. A company scheme may pay more but not less. [1]
Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work£123.25 a week or 80% of normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower. The amount is worked out from average weekly earnings over an 8-week period and paid for the days the employee would normally have worked. [1]
Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to workUp to 28 weeks. Periods of sickness 8 weeks or less apart count as linked; SSP stops if a continuous series of linked periods lasts more than 3 years. [1]
Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to workSSP is paid when the employee has been sick for at least one full working day, for all the full days off sick that they would normally have worked. [2]
Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to workA fit note is needed if the employee is off work for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days). It can come from a GP, hospital doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist. With the employer's agreement, other appropriate evidence may be accepted. [3]

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): What you'll get - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): employer guide: Entitlement - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Eligibility - GOV.UK (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.