Changes to Statutory Sick Pay in response to coronavirus outbreak

The government is introducing a number of changes to support employees and to try to help businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

The rules on statutory sick pay (SSP) have been changed to help employees. SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness, rather than the fourth. The certification requirements for employees who are self-isolating have been relaxed. Employees who are self-isolating can receive SSP, if they or a member of their household has coronavirus symptoms. Without these changes, only employees who are actually ill would be entitled to SSP. Small businesses will be able to reclaim the first 14 days’ SSP from HMRC for each employee who is absent due to coronavirus.

To be entitled to SSP, employees must meet certain criteria. These include the requirement to have been paid over £118 per week (£120 per week from 6 April 2020) over the previous eight weeks. The rate of SSP is currently £94.25 and will rise to £95.85 on 6 April 2020.

This month, we have produced Q&As on employment law changes and coronavirus, which give more detail on these reforms.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.