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Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme opens for claims
28th January 2022
Employers can now make online claims for refunds of Covid-19-related sick pay.
Back in December 2021 the government took the decision to help employers with increasing numbers of Covid-19 staff absences by temporarily reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS).
The SSPRS helps small and medium-sized employers – those with fewer than 250 employees – by reimbursing them for the cost of SSP for Covid-related absences, for up to 2 weeks per employee.
Such firms were eligible for the scheme from 21 December 2021, with the idea that they would be able to make claims retrospectively from mid-January.
The claims portal is now open.
The maximum claim per employee for up to 2 weeks SSP is £96.35 per week x 2 = £192.70.
The claim is also capped at the number of employees in the employer's PAYE scheme on 30 November 2021.
Proof of sickness
The reintroduction of the SSPRS followed a prior announcement that between 10 December 2021 and 26 January 2022 employers could not request from workers proof of sickness until an absence had lasted for 28 days or more.
And SSP could not be withheld due to late medical evidence. However, employers could still ask for proof of a positive Covid-19 test. (See the regulations).
From 27 January, the self-certification period for sickness absence retuned to 7 days. For absences which began on or after 10 December, up to and including 26 January, the 28-day period will continue to apply.
Scheme closure
The SSPRS will close on 17 March 2022 and employers have until 24 March 2022 to submit any new claims for absence periods up to 17 March 2022, or to amend claims already submitted.
Employers will no longer be able to claim back SSP for Covid-related absences or self-isolation that occur after 17 March 2022.
From 25 March, the normal SSP rules return, which means employers can revert to paying SSP from the fourth qualifying day an employee is off work regardless of the reason for their sickness absence.
Statutory Sick Pay April 2022
From 6 April 2022, the weekly rate for Statutory Sick Pay will be £99.35 instead of £96.35.
Further help
If you would like to know more information about Bishop Fleming Payroll Services by IRIS, please click here.
