UK workers lose an average of three days’ pay when they fall sick under the current format, but this ‘sick pay penalty’ is being replaced with Statutory Sick Pay.

From April, 2026, there will be Statutory Sick Pay from the first day. This ends the time where workers were compelled to either work through illness or go unpaid.

The CEO of MyHealthPal, Matt Hall says:

“The old system effectively fined people for being ill. Two or three days of lost wages creates immediate financial pressure for many households. Day One sick pay is a long overdue correction.”

Employees can now safely take short leaves without losing their income, when required. The authorities are directing the employers to update their payroll records and sickness policies.

Even two to three unpaid days causes a huge problem for households under financial pressure, which forces people to work before they recover.