The Government has announced that employers will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that they have paid to employees who have been off work because of Covid. The claims are limited to two weeks for each employee.

Previous support for employers paying SSP to employees during the pandemic was withdrawn, along with other measures. However, in view of the rise of the Omicron variant and the likelihood of more employees having to remain at home, the support will be welcome for employers.

So what do we know?

• Employers can make claims now and retrospectively from mid-January 2021.
• Not all employers will be able claim. Only those who have less than 250 employees will be eligible to apply and only for two weeks of payments. However, that will include thousands of employers who may be in industries that are or will suffer due to the latest rise in cases.
• £96.35 is paid each week to employees eligible for SSP. It can be paid for up to 26 weeks.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we must wait for the full details of the announcement, but this will be some light relief for many employers.

If you have any questions about this announcement or the impact of Covid-19 on your staff, get in touch with the Team for a chat: hr@viewhr.co.uk