A new sick pay scheme launched by the UK Government will allow small to medium sized businesses claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) they have paid to their employees during the coronavirus outbreak.

Those with fewer than 250 workers will be entitled to claim back from the scheme, which launched today.

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme was announced at Budget as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Employers will be able to make their claims through a new online service from May 26. This means they will receive repayments at the relevant rate of SSP that they have paid to current or former employees for eligible periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.

Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, 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.”

To prepare to make their claim, employers should keep records of all the SSP payments they wish to claim from HMRC.

Glasgow Times:

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The current rate of SSP is £95.85 per week. Employers can choose to go further and pay more than the statutory minimum. This is known as occupational or contractual sick pay.

Where an employer pays more than the current rate of SSP in sick pay, they will only be able to reclaim the SSP rate.

The scheme covers all types of employment contracts. Further guidance is available on GOV.UK.