ne such example of change that is on the horizon relates to statutory sick pay (SSP). SSP is the minimum statutory payment that an employee is entitled to during periods when they are unable to work due to illness. It’s the employer’s responsibility to administer and pay the SSP for a period of up to 28 weeks.

Removal of the Lower Earnings Limit

Currently, to qualify for SSP, employees must earn an average of at least £125 per week. This is known as the Lower Earnings Limit, and those who earn less than £125 per week are not entitled to SSP. The Employment Rights Bill will remove this criterion, meaning that SSP will be available to all employees, even the lowest earners. Once this provision of the Employment Rights Bill comes into force, all employees will receive either the flat rate of SSP or 80% of their normal weekly earnings, whichever is lower.