Partial Workdays & SSP: Getting It Right

This one comes up more often than you’d think. An employee arrives at work, feels worse as the day goes on, and goes home early. From April 2026, SSP is payable from day one, so many employers ask if sick pay must automatically kick in. In fact, that’s not usually the case.

Do we have to pay SSP if someone comes in sick and then goes home?

This one catches a lot of employers out and the answer often surprises people. Simply put:

In most cases, if an employee has worked for part of the day, that day will not count as a sick day for SSP purposes.

In other words:

• They’re paid normal pay for the hours worked

• That day will not usually be treated as a qualifying sick day for SSP

• SSP is not usually payable for that day

So, if someone turns up, realises they’re unwell, and goes home mid shift, SSP starts from the next qualifying day, not that day.

Why this matters more post April 2026

Because, from April 2026, SSP is payable from day one of sickness (waiting days abolished), employers are understandably nervous about costs creeping up.

But this rule gives some clarity:

• Partial workdays remain workdays, not sick days

• SSP only applies where the employee is incapable of work for a full qualifying day

That principle hasn’t changed with the new legislation.

A small number of situations need extra care:

• If an employee arrives but does no work at all before going home, that can count as a sick day

• Overnight shifts are treated differently if sickness arises during or after the shift

These situations are fact specific, so consistency and record keeping are key.

Company sick pay may differ

If you operate company sick pay, you can decide how part days are treated so refer to your policy around this, but whatever you do must be clear, consistent, and non discriminatory.

In summary, if an employee comes into work and then goes home sick:

• Normal pay for hours worked

• Not usually an SSP day

• SSP starts from the next full qualifying day