The Department for Work and Pensions has released the new statutory rates for sick pay and family payments in the upcoming tax year 2026/2027. The changes to be aware of are outlined below.
Updated Statutory Rates for the 2026/27 Tax Year
• Statutory Sick Pay will increase from £118.75 to £123.25 per week;
• The Lower Earning Limit will increase from £125 to £129 per week;
• Statutory Maternity Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week;
• Statutory Paternity Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week;
• Statutory Shared Parental Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week;
• Statutory Adoption Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week;
• Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week; and
• Statutory Neonatal Care Leave Pay will increase from £187.18 per week to £194.32 per week.
What Employers Need To Do Ahead of 6 April 2026
It is important that employers update their payroll systems and policies to accommodate these changes ahead of the upcoming tax year. If you need advice on the impact of these changes to your business, or any other employment matter, please do get in touch with a member of the employment team.