Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme Launched

Employers are now able to recover any coronavirus-related statutory sick pay (SSP), with HM Revenue & Customs accepting applications from today.

The online claims service launched on 26th May 2020 and allows small- and medium-sized organisations to apply to HMRC to reclaim Covid-19-related SSP they have paid to current or former employees after 13 March 2020.

Employers are eligible under the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme if they have a PAYE payroll scheme that started before 28 February 2020 and fewer than 250 employees before this date.

They can reclaim up to two weeks’ SSP paid to employees with coronavirus; employees who are self-isolating and unable to work from home; or are shielding because they are at high risk. HMRC said employers will receive their rebate within six working days.

Work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey, said: “We are committed to supporting Britain’s small and medium businesses through this pandemic with a comprehensive package of support.

“This rebate will put money back in the pockets of millions of employers, ensuring they can hit the ground running as the economy re-opens.”

The scheme covers all types of employment contract, including agency workers and those on zero-hours contracts. Employees do not need to provide a fit note from a doctor in order for their employer to submit a claim.

Businesses are still however awaiting clarity from the Government regarding the future of the Furlough scheme and the lengths they will be expected to go to in picking up the pieces from the lockdown.