How to Calculate Statutory Sick Pay in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Small UK businesses live and die by a handful of numbers: margin, break-even and cash flow. Staff also need to know their statutory rights on pay.

This guide explains how to calculate statutory Sick Pay in the UK, step by step. Estimate Statutory Sick Pay for a period off work. You'll see the formula, a fully worked example and practical tips for UK readers.

What this calculation covers

Estimate Statutory Sick Pay for a period off work.

Clear numbers help you price profitably, chase late invoices with confidence and understand statutory pay entitlements.

The method and formula

SSP is a weekly rate divided across your qualifying days. Enter the current weekly rate and any waiting days – SSP rules changed from April 2026, so check GOV.UK for the figures that apply to you.

Every figure on our statutory Sick Pay Calculator follows this method, so you can check the working yourself.

Worked example

Here's a typical example using these figures:

Running them through the method gives:

The headline figure is total ssp: £475.00. Change any input and the result will move with it.

How to use the calculator

1. Enter or choose weeks off sick.
2. Enter or choose weekly SSP rate (£).
3. Enter or choose unpaid waiting days.
4. Enter or choose qualifying days per week.
5. Read your results. The main figure is shown at the top, with a breakdown underneath.
6. Try different values to compare scenarios side by side.

Tips for UK readers

• Price from margin, not markup, if you want to hit a target profit percentage.
• Quote prices to businesses ex VAT and to consumers inc VAT.
• You can legally claim statutory interest on late B2B invoices.
• Statutory pay rates usually change every April – check GOV.UK.

Frequently asked questions

What's the quickest way to work out statutory Sick Pay?

Use our free statutory Sick Pay Calculator. It applies this method automatically: SSP is a weekly rate divided across your qualifying days. Enter the current weekly rate and any waiting days – SSP rules changed from April 2026, so check GOV.UK for the figures that apply to you.

Are statutory pay figures up to date?

Rates are editable on each calculator. Defaults reflect recent published rates; always confirm current figures on GOV.UK.

Do these work for sole traders?

Yes. Margin, markup and break-even apply to any business size.

Is this legal advice?

No. For disputes about pay, redundancy or debts, contact Acas, Citizens Advice or a solicitor.

Summary

To work out statutory Sick Pay, follow the method above: SSP is a weekly rate divided across your qualifying days. For a quick, accurate answer with your own figures, use the calculator.

Next, read Statutory Sick Pay: Common Mistakes, Tips and FAQs.