The landscape of employee sickness support is about to change significantly. From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces the most significant overhaul to Statutory Sick Pay since the rules were first introduced in 1983. The three-day waiting period will be abolished, meaning employees will be entitled to SSP from the very first day of absence, and the lower earnings limit will be removed – opening eligibility to all workers, regardless of earnings.
For office managers, PAs and secretaries who keep businesses running, this is more than a payroll update. The reforms will directly impact the approximately 25% of employees who only receive SSP, and the new rules also support phased returns to work – meaning staff can come back on reduced hours while receiving SSP for the days not worked. Supporting that transition well, practically and comfortably, will fall to the people managing the office day to day.
That’s where prevention becomes just as important as policy. Musculoskeletal problems remain one of the UK’s leading causes of workplace absence – and many are entirely avoidable with the right ergonomic setup.
“The cost of prevention is always lower than the cost of absence.”
Fiona, Workspace Ergonomics Specialist at Back in Action, has been helping Bristol and South West businesses do exactly that for over fifteen years.
She works with companies of all sizes to assess workstations, run engaging workshops, and equip teams with the knowledge to maintain healthier working habits long-term. With flexible on-site and online assessments, she fits around your business – not the other way around. And it doesn’t stop at advice. As a leading ergonomic furniture provider, Back in Action offers the very best market pricing on premium furniture, with Fiona on hand to help design a layout perfectly suited to your team’s needs. From initial assessment through to sourcing and installation, she’ll be with you every step of the way and available for ongoing support for as long as you need.
If you re responsible for staff wellbeing and workplace compliance, Fiona is the person to call.
Call Fiona Today – 0117 2358046
Email: fiona@backinaction.co.uk