The default working pattern and how to change it in Sage Payroll.
Description
You can specify the days an employee works in the Working Patterns tab in their employee record.
This has important implications for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). The working pattern determines when waiting days and qualifying days occur.
NOTE:
Waiting days don't apply from 6 April 2026. Only calculating the daily rate will use the working pattern.
Resolution
When you create a new employee record, Monday – Friday is the default working pattern.
▼To check an employee working pattern
- Select Employees from the menu bar.
- Choose the relevant employee.
- Select the Working Pattern tab.
- You can set a Monday – Friday working pattern or a custom pattern.
▼To apply a working pattern
If the employee’s working pattern isn’t Monday-Friday, use a custom working pattern.
- Choose one of the following options from the Working Pattern Type dropdown list:
- Monday – Friday – if the employee works a standard Monday – Friday week
- Custom 1 Week – if the employee’s working pattern repeats weekly
- Custom 2 Weeks – if the working pattern repeats every 2 weeks
- Custom 3 Weeks – if the working pattern repeats every 3 weeks
- Custom 4 Weeks – if the working pattern repeats every 4 weeks
- In the Week Starting On calendar, specify the Sunday of the week on which you want this working pattern to start.
NOTE:
A working pattern always begins on a Sunday.
- Select the relevant working days.
- Select Save.
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