Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the money paid by UK employers to employees who are too unwell to work It is a legal requirement for employers to pay SSP to employees who qualify, and the amount paid is set by the government In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to support workers during periods of illness, there have been recent changes to statutory sick pay that all employers and employees should be aware of.
The government has made several changes to the rules surrounding SSP to ensure that workers who are sick or need to self-isolate are adequately supported during these challenging times One of the key changes is the removal of the three-day waiting period for SSP, meaning it will now be payable from the first day of sickness or self-isolation This change is aimed at encouraging employees to stay at home if they are feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, without fear of losing income.
Another important change to SSP is the introduction of a new online portal for employers to use to reclaim SSP paid to employees due to COVID-19 Employers with fewer than 250 employees are eligible to use the portal to recover the costs of SSP related to COVID-19, making it easier for businesses to support their employees during this challenging time This measure is designed to help businesses manage their cash flow and ensure that employees are not left out of pocket when they are unable to work due to illness.
In addition to these changes, the government has also announced that SSP will be increased from £95.85 to £96.35 per week from April 2022 This slight increase in the weekly rate of SSP is intended to help workers who are unable to work due to sickness or self-isolation, ensuring that they have enough financial support while they are unable to work statutory sick pay changes. It is important for both employers and employees to be aware of these changes to SSP and how they may affect their entitlement to sick pay.
Employers have a legal obligation to pay SSP to employees who qualify, and it is important that they understand the rules surrounding SSP and how to claim it back if necessary Employers should make sure that they have procedures in place to ensure that employees receive the correct amount of SSP and that they are aware of their rights when it comes to sick pay By staying informed about the changes to SSP, employers can ensure that they are meeting their legal obligations and supporting their employees during periods of sickness or self-isolation.
Employees should also be aware of the changes to SSP and how they may affect their entitlement to sick pay If they are feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they should inform their employer as soon as possible and make sure that they are receiving the correct amount of SSP Employees should also be aware of their rights when it comes to sick pay and make sure that they are not being unfairly denied SSP by their employer.
Overall, the changes to statutory sick pay are aimed at supporting workers who are unable to work due to illness or self-isolation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic It is important for both employers and employees to be aware of these changes and how they may affect their entitlement to sick pay By staying informed and following the rules surrounding SSP, employers and employees can ensure that they are fulfilling their legal obligations and receiving the support they need during periods of illness.