On 26th May, the Government will launch the online Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The new online service will allow those employers with fewer than 250 employees to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related SSP made on or after 13th March.

Employers will receive payments at the relevant rate of SSP, currently £95.85 per week, paid to current or former employees who were i) unable to work as a result of being ill with coronavirus, ii) self-isolating and unable to work because someone they live with had symptoms, or iii) shielding and have a letter from the NHS or a GP telling them to stay at home for at least 12 weeks.

Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey, said: “We are committed to supporting Britain’s small and medium businesses through this pandemic with a comprehensive package of support. 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.”

The scheme covers all types of employment contracts including full time employees, part-time employees, employees on agency contracts and those on flexible or zero hours contracts. Employers are eligible if they have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started before 28th February 2020.