The Government is launching on 26 May 2020 its new online service, which will allow employers with less than 250 employees to recover some of the costs of paying Coronavirus related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP):

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

Under the scheme, the repayment will cover up to 2 weeks SSP, if an employee is unable to work because they either:

• Have Coronavirus symptoms
• Are self-isolating because someone they live with has Coronavirus symptoms
• Are shielding and have a letter from the NHS or a GP telling them to stay at home for at least 12 weeks.

Employers can claim for period of sickness starting on or after:

• 13 March 2020 – for employees who have Coronavirus or the symptoms or are self-isolating because someone they live with has symptoms; and
• 16 April 2020 – for employees who are shielding because of Coronavirus .

The SSP weekly rate before 6 April 2020 was £94.25 and is now £95.85. Employers who pay additional company sick pay, “topping up” the SSP amount, won’t be able to recover this additional amount but can still recover the SSP amount.

Whilst the scheme only allows for recovery for a 2 week period and allows for SSP to be recovered for that period, it nonetheless presents an opportunity for some employers to recover some sick pay costs from the Government.

If you have any queries on the rebate scheme or have any other Coronavirus related employment issues, please contact Matt Jenkin.