United Kingdom grants day-one statutory sick pay and paternity leave
Change
United Kingdom implemented day-one entitlement to statutory sick pay and statutory paternity leave for workers, effective 6 April 2026.
Why it matters
Employers are now legally required to pay statutory sick pay from the first day of absence and to provide statutory paternity leave from day one, increasing compliance and payroll obligations. HR and payroll functions must change eligibility rules, recordkeeping and payment processes to avoid underpayments and employment-law exposure.
Implications
- • Employers' payroll teams must update payroll calculations and start statutory sick pay payments on day one of absence or face underpayment liabilities.
- • Human resources departments at employers must revise contracts, leave-tracking and onboarding processes to grant statutory paternity leave from the first day or face employment-law claims.
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