SSP Has Changed – Fit Notes Haven’t

From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is payable from day one. Employers are therefore wondering whether there has also been a change to when employees need a Statement of Fitness for Work ( known a a fit note) from a medical professional.

The short answer is no, employees do not need a fit note from day one.   They can self-certify.

What hasn’t changed:

Employees do not need to provide a fit note for the first seven calendar days of sickness absence. That includes weekends and non‑working days.

For the first seven days, employees can self‑certify. This has always been the case and continues to apply, even though SSP is payable from day one. Employers cannot legally insist on medical evidence earlier than this just because sick pay now starts sooner.

What has changed:

What has changed is the financial impact of short‑term absence.

Before April 2026, a one‑ or two‑day absence often didn’t trigger SSP because of the three waiting days. That buffer has gone. Now, any qualifying sick day can be payable, even if the employee self‑certifies and returns quickly.

That makes absence reporting procedures far more important.

As an employer, getting the basics in place is the foundation for effective absence management.  

• Clear absence notification rules (who to notify, when, how)
• Reasonable requirements for keeping in touch
• Return‑to‑work conversations

Practical takeaway

SSP payable from day one (from April 2026) does not mean day‑one fit notes.  But it does mean:

• It is important to ensure staff follow the correct absence notification processes
• Have in place effective and accurate sickness absence records from day one

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