Temporary Changes to Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay

There has been a temporary change to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)… at least in relation to Coronavirus.

In the good old days before Coronavirus (i.e. before 13^th March 2020) SSP used to kick after four days off sick and was claimed by an employer via their National insurance contributions.

There’s been an awful lot more sickness… or if not sickness per se then self-isolation and shielding so the government made a temporary change to the SSP rules.

Although there’s a bit more to it the essentials are these.  SSP can be claimed from the first day of sickness and for up to two weeks will be covered.  But!  The sickness must be Coronavirus related.  Specifically:

·         The employee needs to have or have had Coronavirus symptoms

·         Or be self isolating because someone they live with has symptoms

·         Or they have been shielding – with a letter from their GP or the NHS to confirm

Because HMRC is anticipating a lot of claims they’ve built – or more accurately are still building – a new portal.  It’s almost ready and we’ll be making claims soon… latest info is that the new online portal will be ready by 26^th May.

In the meantime if you want to read more about SSP (and who wouldn’t?) you can read it here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

If you have an SSP claim to make we’ll be out to you soon with details of how it’s going to work.