{"id":15363,"date":"2026-04-07T15:34:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T14:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.s1jobs.com\/blog\/?p=15363"},"modified":"2026-04-07T15:34:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T14:34:17","slug":"sick-pay-changes-in-scotland-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.s1jobs.com\/blog\/sick-pay-changes-in-scotland-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Sick Pay Changes in Scotland: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Big changes to\u00a0Statutory Sick Pay<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(SSP) came into effect in April 2026. These updates apply across the UK, including Scotland, and are designed to give workers greater financial security when they’re too ill to work.<\/p>\n

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what’s changed \u2014 and what it means for employees and employers in Scotland.<\/p>\n

What’s Changed?<\/h2>\n

1. Sick pay now starts from Day 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Previously, workers had to wait three days before SSP kicked in. Those unpaid “waiting days” are gone. If you’re off sick, you’re entitled to SSP from your very first day of absence.<\/p>\n

2. More workers are now eligible<\/strong><\/p>\n

The minimum earnings threshold has been removed. This is particularly significant for part-time, lower-paid, and zero-hours workers \u2014 groups that make up a notable share of Scotland’s workforce \u2014 who previously fell below the qualifying limit.<\/p>\n

3. Updated payment rules<\/strong><\/p>\n

SSP is now paid at\u00a0\u00a3123.25 per week<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a080% of your average weekly earnings<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 whichever is lower.<\/p>\n

What This Means for Employees<\/h2>\n

These changes are a meaningful step forward for workers across Scotland:<\/p>\n