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Can my boss refuse to pay me for a one-day sickness?


No. Under the new 2026 legislation, your employer must pay SSP for a single day of absence if you meet the eligibility criteria for being "incapable of work." The old rule requiring a "Period of Incapacity for Work" (4 days or more) no longer applies to the start of your claim. This is the same as the 3 day waiting period.

This Article is Tagged under:

Sick Pay, One-Day Sickness

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the new rules for SSP medical evidence?

  • How is 2026 sick pay calculated for low earners?

  • Is the SSP lower earnings limit still in place?

  • Do I get sick pay from the first day of illness in 2026?