New statutory rates for 2026
April marks the month each year where changes to statutory rates come into force. Most rate changes take effect from 6th April (to align with the start of the new tax year).
The statutory rates for family leave, sick pay, redundancy and the cap on unfair dismissal compensatory awards are, from 6th April 2026, as follows:
| New Rate | |
|---|---|
| Statutory maternity pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory paternity pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory shared parental pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory adoption pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory parental bereavement pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory neonatal care leave pay | £194.32 per week |
| Statutory sick pay | £123.25 per week |
| Statutory guarantee pay | £41 per day |
| Statutory redundancy pay | £751 per week |
| Statutory compensatory award for unfair dismissal * | £123,543 |
Upcoming changes to unfair dismissal awards
Under Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, due to take effect from January 2027, the cap on the compensatory award for unfair dismissal will be removed in its entirety. The figure in this table applies to all dismissals from 6th April 2026 until this change comes into effect.
Qualifying earnings for family leave pay
The average gross weekly earnings required to qualify for the various forms of family leave pay will also increase from £125.00 or more per week, to £129.00 or more per week from 6th April 2026.
Minimum requirements and employer discretion
The amounts in the table above represent the minimum requirements. They may be replaced by higher payments if the employer chooses to offer more voluntarily or is required to do so under the employee’s contract.
Here to help
If you would like advice on the new statutory rates or their impact on your organisation, please contact Miranda Mulligan, Senior Solicitor, in our Employment Law team.
Please note, the contents of this article are provided for information only and must not be relied upon. Legal advice should always be sought in relation to specific circumstances.
