Sick Pay Rights 2026: What Employers Need to Know
Understand SSP 2026 updates, employer responsibilities, and common pitfalls to keep your business compliant and protect staff rights.
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On 30 September 2021, the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme comes to an end.
Employment & HR|30 September 2021
Insight
The Scheme was announced in May 2020 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and allowed businesses with fewer than 250 employees to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay(“SSP”) paid to employees for COVID-19 related absences.
Qualifying employers were able to claim back up to 2 weeks of SSP paid to employees if:
While the scheme closes for new claims on 30 September 2021, any claims for SSP paid prior to the 30 September 2021 can be reclaimed up to 31 December 2021.
It is important to note that employers can only make one claim for each employee (including zero hours employees) and the maximum claim amount is 2 weeks SSP in total. Claims should be supported by an isolation note or a letter from the NHS, whichever is relevant.
Once employers have received reimbursement of any SSP paid, they will need to keep the usual SSP records for a period of 3 years. The information to be retained is:
Given that the HMRC is likely to receive an influx of claims once the Scheme comes to an end on 30 September 2021, it would be prudent for employers to start collating the information required to reclaim any SSP paid, and for them to submit their claim well in advance of the December deadline.
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