End of SSP Rebate Scheme

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme has allowed small and medium-sized businesses and employers reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19. The online service initially closed for new claims after 30

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme has allowed small and medium-sized businesses and employers reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19. The online service initially closed for new claims after 30 September 2021.

However, following the Omicron wave, the online claims service was brought back in mid-January with firms becoming eligible to make backdated claims under the scheme from 21 December 2021.

The scheme covers up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of COVID-19. Employers are eligible for the scheme if their business is UK based, small or medium-sized and employs fewer than 250 employees. Under the scheme, the Government will cover the cost of SSP for Covid-related absences.

In line with the government’s measures to move to a new phase of 'living with COVID', the scheme will close for coronavirus related absences after 17 March 2022. Employers will have up to and including 24 March 2022 to submit any final claims and / or amend claims they’ve already submitted.

Employers should maintain records of staff absences and payments of SSP for 3 years after the date they receive the payment for a claim. Note, employees do not need to provide a GP fit note in order for an employer to make a claim.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Latest INSIGHTS

Check out our latest Insights for useful accounting tips and information.

Private rental deposits

There are special rules under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme that limits the amount of deposit that landlords in England can request. There are also further limitations on what landlords and agents can charge tenants.

If you are renting a residential

Read More

How to check a UK VAT number

The online service for checking a UK VAT number is available at: www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number.

This service can be used to check:

if a UK VAT registration number is valid; and
the name and address of the business the number is registered

Read More

Check employment status for tax

The Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool can be used to help ascertain if a worker should be classified as employed or self-employed for tax purposes in both the private and public sectors.

The service provides HMRC’s view as to whether IR35

Read More