19 May 2020
Coronavirus sick pay scheme for SMEs launches – can be backdated to pre-lockdown
BY Tom Walker
Small and medium-sized companies (SME) in the leisure industry will be able to begin recovering coronavirus-related statutory sick pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
The government announced today (19 May) that the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will open on 26 May.
It will allow companies with less than 250 staff claim back SSP that they have paid to current or former employees for eligible periods of sickness, starting on (or after) 13 March 2020.
This mean leisure employers will be able to receive any coronavirus-related sick pay paid in the lead up to the lockdown on 23 March.
The repayment will cover up to two weeks of SSP, and is payable for employees who either:
• Were unable to work because they had/have coronavirus
• Spent periods self-isolating and unable to work from home
• Have been shielding because they’ve been advised that they’re at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus
Employers are eligible if they have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started before 28 February 2020.
“We are committed to supporting Britain’s small and medium businesses through this pandemic with a comprehensive package of support," said Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey.
“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.”
For more information on the scheme, click here.
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