The Government has announced plans to reintroduce the Coronavirus SSP Rebate Scheme. This scheme had previously been in place throughout the lockdown periods but was closed at the end of September 2021 following the general release from national lockdown restrictions.
Due to the effects of the omicron variant and the large number of individuals self-isolating the Government has announced that the scheme will be reintroduced for all businesses employing fewer than 250 employees on 30 November 2021.
Eligible employers will be entitled to recover up to 2 weeks of SSP per employee off sick due to COVID. Employers can claim for multiple periods of absence from 21 December 2021 but only up to the 2 week maximum limit. All absences must be because of COVID and not for other reasons.
The scheme will be reintroduced from mid-January and further guidance on how to claim will be issued in the next few days.
If you have any queries relating to this scheme or the impact of COVID on your workforce more generally please do contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.