Insights
Given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant and in order to support businesses during this very challenging time, from mid-January the Government will be reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. The previous scheme ended on 30 September 2021.
What this means is that employers can seek reimbursement for statutory sick pay (SSP) for up to two weeks where staff have been off sick due to a COVID-19 related absence. Currently, employers pay £96.35 per week in SSP.
It is understood scheme will only apply to small and medium sized business with fewer than 250 employees.
It is hoped that the reintroduction of the scheme will help alleviate some of the pressure felt by businesses during high levels of sick absence caused by the Omicron variant.
You will note from the Government website further guidance is to be published in the middle of January 2022. Alcumus PSM will issue further information after that new guidance has been published.
