Statutory Sick Pay Relief for Small to Medium Businesses

20th March 2020

A rebate scheme has been announced that will allow small and medium sized businesses and employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for employees who are absent from work due to the Coronavirus.

To be eligible for the scheme, businesses must be based in the UK and employ fewer than 250 employees as of 28 February 2020.

The refund will cover up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been absent due to the Coronavirus and the government will work with employers in the months ahead to set up the repayment mechanism as soon as possible.

It is important that clients understand that even if an employee is asymptomatic, they may be entitled to SSP.  For further information, please see our update “Paying your employees during the COVID-19 crisis: Frequently Asked Questions”.

Should you have any further questions or require any assistance with your employment arrangements during this difficult period, please contact either one of our Co-Heads of the Employment team, Partners Tamara Ludlow or Ewan Keen