Employers can no longer reclaim Statutory Sick Pay from government

Employers can no longer reclaim SSP from the government.

From 6th April 2014, employers will no longer be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay, for payments made to employees absent through ill health, from the government.  However, they will continue to be able to recover unclaimed SSP for previous years for a limited period.

Previously, employers could reclaim any amount of SSP which exceeded 13% of its national insurance contributions in the month.  The reasoning behind abolishing it is that it gave employers an incentive not to encourage long-term sick employees back into the workplace.

It is estimated that there will be an annual saving of £50m a year which will be put towards the new Health & Work Service, due to start in 2015, which will help employees and employers put together plans to facilitate a return to work.

For further advice on Statutory Sick Pay, please contact the Employment Department on 0161 785 3500 or enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.

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