In May 2020, the government launched the COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rebate Scheme. This Scheme was introduced to allow small and medium businesses with fewer than 250 members of staff (as at 28 February 2020) to recover the costs of paying any SSP relating to COVID-19 for two-weeks, starting from the first day of sickness. SSP could be claimed where an employee had tested positive for COVID-19 or was:
- Self-isolating due to a notification from Test and Trace, the NHS COVID-19 app or other legal reason
- Shielding in line with government guidance
- Self-isolating before a surgery
The scheme closed on 30 September 2021. From 1 October 2021, employers will be responsible for covering the full cost of any SSP for all absences.
Employers have until 31 December 2021 to file or amend any claims for SSP in respect of absences before 30 September 2021. After this date, they will be unable to claim back any money under the scheme.
Frances Rollin
Chantelle De Filippis