Statutory sick pay rebate scheme reinstated

As increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases means more workers taking time off work, the government has reintroduced the statutory sick pay rebate scheme (SSPRS)

Who can apply for statutory sick pay rebate scheme (SSPRS)?

The SSPRS will help small and medium-sized employers – those with fewer than 250 employees – by reimbursing them for the cost of statutory sick pay for Covid-related absences, for up to two weeks per employee.

When can employers make a SSPRS claim?

Businesses will be eligible for the scheme from 21 December 2021 and they will be able to make claims retrospectively from mid-January.

The scheme was first introduced at the start of the March 2020 lockdown and will be useful for businesses faced with increasing levels of staff signed off sick either through positive testing for covid or as a result of coming into contact with someone who has tested positive.

The government is stressing the importance of getting vaccinated with a massive advertising campaign to promote the covid booster. 

Prime minister Boris Johnson said:

‘I urge people across the country to please get boosted now to secure vital protection for yourselves, your loved ones and your communities.’