Government to launch online service for SMEs to reclaim Covid-19 statutory sick pay

Small and medium-sized employers (SMEs), which have fewer than 250 employees, will be able to recover Coronavirus-related employee statutory sick pay (SSP) when the government launches a new online service on 26 May 2020.

The online scheme, which was announced as part of the 2020 Budget, will enable employers to reclaim sick pay for employees who have been unable to work due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, on or after 13 March 2020.

Organisations will be able to receive a repayment of up to two weeks for all employees who have been enrolled on a PAYE payroll scheme prior to 28 February 2020; if they are unable to work because they have the Coronavirus, are self-isolating and unable to work from home, or are shielding because they have been advised that they are at high risk of severe illness from the Coronavirus.

The current rate of SSP is £95.85 per week, however, businesses may choose to pay employees more than the statutory minimum.