Statutory pay is a legal right for umbrella contractors. Your UK umbrella company is your legal employer, so it handles SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP for you. SSP is payable from your first day of illness. SMP and SPP usually need 26 weeks of continuous employment.
Does an umbrella company pay statutory sick pay?
Yes. If you are too ill to work, your umbrella company pays Statutory Sick Pay. For 2026-27, SSP is £123.25 per week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. From 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from your first day of illness for up to 28 weeks. There is no lower earnings limit, so all eligible employees qualify regardless of income.
SSP replaces your assignment income while you are off sick. It goes through your umbrella payroll just like your normal pay, and it should show as a separate line on your payslip.
To qualify, you need to tell your umbrella when you are ill within the required timeframe. Check its notification procedure before you need it.
What is the SSP weekly rate for 2026-27?
The SSP rate from 6 April 2026 is £123.25 per week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. From 6 April 2026, there is no lower earnings limit for SSP. All eligible employees qualify regardless of income.
SSP is subject to income tax and National Insurance. See the umbrella contractor tax guide for how deductions work on statutory payments.
Does an umbrella company pay statutory maternity pay?
Yes. If you qualify, umbrella contractors can receive Statutory Maternity Pay through their umbrella. For 2026-27, SMP pays 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks. The remaining 33 weeks pay at £194.32 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. SMP lasts up to 39 weeks in total.
To qualify, you must have worked continuously for your umbrella for at least 26 weeks. The qualifying week is the 15th week before your baby is due. Your average weekly earnings must also be at or above the LEL of £129.
Give your umbrella at least 28 days’ notice before maternity leave starts. Send your MATB1 certificate to confirm your due date.
What is the SMP rate for 2026-27?
| Period | Rate |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90% of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | £194.32/week or 90% AWE (lower applies) |
Your umbrella pays SMP through its payroll. It then reclaims most of this cost from HMRC. Your payment to you is not affected by that process.
Does an umbrella company pay statutory paternity pay?
Yes. If you qualify, your umbrella pays Statutory Paternity Pay at £194.32 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. SPP covers up to two weeks. You can take one week, two weeks together, or two separate weeks, within 52 weeks of the birth. Adoption dates differ.
To qualify, you must have worked continuously for your umbrella for at least 26 weeks. The qualifying week is the 15th week before the expected due date. You must also be the biological father, adopter, or the mother’s partner.
Give your umbrella at least 28 days’ notice before you want SPP to start.
Does an umbrella company pay statutory adoption pay?
Yes. SAP follows the same structure as SMP. For 2026-27, the first six weeks pay at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks pay at £194.32 per week or 90% AWE, whichever is lower. SAP lasts up to 39 weeks for eligible contractors.
Eligibility follows the same continuous employment and earnings rules as SMP. Tell your umbrella as soon as you receive your adoption match notification.
What are your day-one statutory rights?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 gives you protections from day one. They apply from your first day with the umbrella. You are entitled to a written statement of employment terms on day one. Changes for zero-hours workers are coming, but the government has not announced when they start.
For a full overview of contractor protections, read what protections umbrella contractors have.
How does the Fair Work Agency affect statutory pay enforcement?
The Fair Work Agency launched on 7 April 2026. It is due to take on Statutory Sick Pay enforcement. Your umbrella must still pay statutory entitlements correctly.
DASA holds accreditation from FCSA, Professional Passport and SafeRec. All three check umbrella companies independently. Your statutory pay is processed correctly and on time.
What about holiday pay during statutory leave?
Your contractual holiday pay entitlement continues to accrue during statutory leave periods. Check holiday pay for umbrella workers for how DASA handles accrual and rollover.
How does DASA process statutory pay claims?
DASA Umbrella processes all statutory pay through its PAYE payroll. All payments appear clearly on your payslip. DASA holds accreditation from FCSA, Professional Passport and SafeRec. All three independently check its payroll.
If you need to make a claim, contact DASA directly. Have your relevant dates and documentation ready. DASA handles the HMRC reclaim process. You do not need to do anything beyond notifying DASA and providing the required evidence.
Use the contractor umbrella calculator to see your normal net pay before statutory leave starts. Contact your umbrella company to start your claim.
