Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme Ends
As part of its support measures for employers during the Coronavirus pandemic, the government legislated to allow certain small and medium size employers to reclaim up to two weeks of their SSP costs via the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
From 28 February 2020, the scheme allowed employers with less than 250 employees to reclaim up to two weeks of SSP costs where employees were unable to work because they:
- had covid symptoms;
- were self isolating because someone they lived with had symptoms;
- were self-isolating because they were notified by NHS or public health bodies that they had come into contact with something with covid;
- had been advised by letter to shield because they were clinically extremely vulnerable and at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus; or
- had been notified by the NHS to self-isolate before surgery for up to 14 days.
Before 28 February 2020, employers were required to meet the full cost of SSP payable to eligible employees unable to work because of sickness. SSP is paid at a flat rate for up to 28 weeks which is currently set at £96.35 per week.
That scheme came to an end on 30 September 2021 (on the same day the furlough scheme ended) and any claims relating to periods prior to that date must be submitted online by 31 December 2021. From 1 October 2021 all employers will again be responsible for covering the full costs of SSP.
BTO’s specialist Employment Team can assist employers with any issues relating to Statutory Sick Pay and the end of the furlough scheme.
This update contains general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
Katie Hendry, Solicitor khe@bto.co.uk / 0141 221 8012 / Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Laura Salmond, Partner lis@bto.co.uk / 0141 221 8012 / Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
