HMRC call for final claims to SSP Rebate Scheme  

HMRC has issued a call for final claims to the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which closes on 17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ ‌2022.  The change is part of government plans to live with COVID-19 and reduce costs to the public purse. 

Employers have until 24‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌ to submit new claims for absence periods up to 17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌, or to amend claims already submitted. They will not be able to claim back SSP for employees’ COVID-19-related absences or self-isolation after‌‌‌ ‌17‌‌‌ ‌March‌‌‌. 
 
From 25‌‌‌ ‌March, normal SSP rules apply so employers need to pay SSP from the fourth qualifying day the employee is absent, regardless of the reason for their sickness absence. 

For more, see HMRC briefing and information on SSP rules, or search for 'Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): employer guide' on GOV‌‌‌.UK.  HMRC have also issued a warning in the briefing about scams involving people who say they work for HMRC.

Homecare employers in England still have access to Infection Control and Testing Funding, where available, to help pay for staff absences due to COVID-19 until 31 March 2022.