The government has announced that it will launch a Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Scheme on 26 May 2020.

The scheme will be payable to employees who have had current or former employees who have been unable to work on or after 13 March 2020 because they:

  • Had or have Coronavirus.
  • Are self-isolating and are unable to work from home.
  • Are shielding because they’ve been advised that they’re high-risk.

Repayments will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP.

The scheme will be open to employers with fewer than 250 staff and will enable them to make a claim for Coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You will be eligible for the scheme if:

  • You’re claiming for an employee who’s eligible for sick pay because of Coronavirus.
  • The employee is entitled to SSP.
  • You had a PAYE payroll scheme in place before 28 February 2020.
  • You’re eligible to receive State Aid under the EU Commission Temporary Framework.

How to make a claim

The scheme is not open to make claims yet but will be on 26 May 2020.

In the meantime, to prepare to make a claim, you should keep a record of all the SSP payments you wish to claim for. You can find out all the information you need on the gov.uk website.

Tax agents such as PKB Accountants can make claims on behalf of employers so if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

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