The COVID-19 SSP Rebate Scheme launched by the Government in May 2020 as part of a package of COVID-related financial support for employers is closing at the end of this month.

The scheme enables small to medium sized employers to reclaim statutory sick pay (SSP) costs caused by absences due to coronavirus. SSP costs are normally paid entirely by the employer, however the scheme allows qualifying employers with less than 250 employees, as at 28 February 2020, to reclaim up to 2 weeks’ SSP per employee if they are unable to work because they have COVID-19 or because they are self-isolating.

The scheme will close on 30 September meaning that from 1 October, all employers will again be responsible for covering the full cost of SSP. Employers have until 31 December 2021 to file or amend any claims for SSP in respect of coronavirus-related absences prior to the end of September 2021.