COVID-19 and Statutory Sick Leave

Mar, 2020

Paying SSP due to a COVID-19 related absence

The government will shortly introduce new legislation allowing employers with fewer than 250 employees to reclaim the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for any absence due to COVID-19.

Also covered by this legislation will be employees who have had to self-isolate as a result of having to look after a dependent who has contracted the Coronavirus.

There is no need for an employee to provide a GP fit note, but if an employer does require evidence, those with symptoms can obtain an isolation note from NHS 111 online. Those living with someone who has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website.

Details of how the repayment mechanism will work for employers will be released by the government in due course.

Key points

Maximum of 2 weeks’ pay per eligible employee.
Employer must have had less than 250 employees as of 28th February 2020.
Legislation will be applied retrospectively from 13th March 2020, once passed.
Legislation is in addition to SSP being paid from day 1 (rather than day 4) for all employees.

For further information on all of the support that is currently provided to businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, we recommend that employers view the government’s web page: COVID-19 Support for Businesses