If you are sick today (January 2026), the old rules still apply. But in April, the biggest shake-up in sick pay history begins.
| Right Now (Jan-Mar) | From April 6 (New Rules) | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Rate | £118.75 | £123.25 |
| When Pay Starts | Day 4 (3 unpaid days) | Day 1 (Immediate) |
| Who Qualifies | Must earn £123+/week | Everyone (No minimum earnings) |
When are you off sick?
Days off sick
WARNING: Your employer cannot pay you the new rate early. But they also cannot use the old "Waiting Days" rule after April 6. If you're also having issues with break entitlements or shift cancellations, these are separate rights you should know about.
Currently, you are not paid for the first 3 days of sickness. This is called the 'Waiting Period'. From April 6, 2026, this is abolished.
Previously, if you earned less than £123/week, you got £0 sick pay. From April 2026, this limit is removed. Low earners will now get sick pay (paid as a % of their earnings).
Care homes often 'forget' to update their payroll for new laws. If they refuse to pay you from Day 1 after April:
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Written by
PlainSight Team
Workplace Rights Specialists