Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme Re-introduced for SMEs

January 26th, 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to recover up to two weeks’ statutory sick pay for each employee who is off work due to Covid-19 on or after 21 December 2021. The statutory sick pay rebate scheme will expire on 24 March 2022, which is the last date for claims to be submitted to HMRC.

“SME” means a business with fewer than 250 employees. The measures apply for anyone who is sick from Covid-19 or isolating due to a possible infection.

The change came into force on 14 January 2022. It is part of the latest support packages for businesses affected by Covid-19 announced by the Chancellor. A similar SSP rebate scheme was previously introduced in May 2020 and ended in September 2021.

The renewed statutory sick pay rebate scheme will come as a relief to businesses dealing with record numbers of staff shortages as the new Omicron variant continues to infect hundreds of thousands of people each day. Nevertheless SSP – at £96.35 a week – remains so low it is worth considering the implications of whether low-wage employees, in particular, may be tempted to conceal possible infections in order to avoid losing their income.

This blog was written by Kendal Youngblood, Solicitor at didlaw.

related employment law news

Less Favourable Treatment against Part-Time Workers

July 24th, 2024

The Equality Act 2010 protects workers from being treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic, for example disability or race. It is perhaps a lesser-known feature of UK employment law that part-time workers are also protected from less favourable treatment. Under section 5 of the Part-time Workers (Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 (the Regulations), […]

Redeployment as an alternative to dismissal

July 22nd, 2024

In the case of Bugden v Royal Mail Group the Claimant, Mr Bugden was dismissed following periods of ill-health related absence. He brought employment tribunal claims for both unfair dismissal and disability discrimination which included a claim for a failure to make reasonable adjustments. These claims all failed in the Employment Tribunal (ET). The Claimant appealed to […]

The Big Stay and protection for workers against dismissal

July 19th, 2024

It has been reported that fewer workers are resigning and more are opting to stay put in their current jobs, in what labour market experts are calling ‘the Big Stay’. James Cockett, labour market economist, has commented that the ‘great resignation’ following the pandemic is over and has been replaced by ‘the big stay’, with […]

what our clients say

Outstanding!! I had a very tricky case that I had started with another firm, I decided to switch law firms to didlaw. They grabbed the case and transformed my position. We did end up going the distance but we did WIN!! I can not recommend didlaw more highly.

didlaw were utterly incredible throughout my difficult time. They were always on hand, whatever time, night or day, and helped me navigate this minefield of rules and laws. I would thoroughly recommend them to anyone needing employment support. Incredible service and humane interactions at all time.

Really professional, refreshingly direct and very efficient with your time. I dealt with the Principal Karen Jackson and one of her top support staff members. Always courteous, always on time and always followed through on their commitments. I always felt I was getting really well informed advice but with a highly pragmatic approach.

Specialist knowledge + smart thinking + excellent teamwork = record result! See Tribunal Case 2303683/18 and search for media coverage that speaks for itself. If you are an employee or claimant searching for the very best help with employment law, you have found what you are looking for. No question.

didlaw were brilliant on both the occasions I used them. I worked with Anita who was fantastic. They were supportive, professional, empathetic and knew the best way to negotiate. My interactions with the other members was also good, always there to listen and help. I can’t recommend them enough.

Very personal and prompt service. Use of telephone for discussions/updates.

The responsiveness was particularly valued – but the whole experience was excellent.

You showed you cared in every communication.

The team were very efficient and effective with great communications. Simple, no nonsense approach. Great and easy to understand advice. Very personable approach from all of the team which made me feel at ease and confident.

Although I was advised not to continue with my employment tribunal case, and this was disappointing, I do think it was the correct advice, and only wish I had used this solicitor earlier in my misconduct proceedings as I believe I would have had a more positive result. Thank you for your kindness and support from the office staff to the solicitor who were all very professional and caring.

Anita was very clear with her comms, very professional and very sensitive to my needs. Should I ever need legal advice again, she will be the first person I call. Thank you very much Anita.

Quick initial availability of Solicitor, and quick overall turnaround time.

Karen and her team were professional and transparent at all times. I was wary about instructing a law firm to act on my behalf, but am so glad I did. didlaw represented me to the highest level. The speed of reaching a conclusion for me was beyond my expectations. I will have no hesitation in recommending their practice. Karen made me feel valued and the advice given was brilliant at all times.

The fact that they provided total confidence in what we were doing and reassured we would reach the desired outcome, which they did. It was great from the off, how they listened and helped exactly how I wanted, providing solid advice and fighting my corner as any good lawyers would do.

For me, the process was really simple. I received clear and helpful advice and was able to complete all the paper work without having to travel to the office.

I really appreciated being kept in touch with expected timelines and being contacted accordingly. It meant I wasn’t having to wonder if things were happening or not. – Karen is an extremely open and honest person to work with. She sets realistic expectations and in my case exceeded those on delivery. Her and Emma also worked seamlessly with one another during holiday periods.

I dealt mainly with Karen and Anita on an employment issue. What I really appreciated is “they got it”. I didn’t have to continuously explain how I was feeling, they just knew. That helped a great deal, knowing that I was being believed. I have also had dealings with Michele, who was lovely. – Great knowledge of their field, but don’t take themselves too seriously, but know their stuff.

A very thorough job. Excellent service. Very friendly. I would like to say thank you very much.

The very quick and personal response and the very clear and positive advice from Karen.

Great experience. At a stressful time I was reassured I was in good hands. I appreciated the honesty & directness of the conversations throughout the process.

I was having a very difficult time with my employers and didlaw gave me the support and legal clout that I needed in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion. I found everyone at didlaw to be very helpful, friendly and easy to talk to. In particular, I was always treated with great respect and never felt “put down”, stupid or rushed when speaking to didlaw staff about my employment matter, I could say all that I needed to say and was always listened to.

Both Elizabeth McGlone and Kim Evans were SUPERB! They made an otherwise very stressful and unhappy time so much easier to bear. Kept things simple and costs down. The importance of the personal touch should never be underestimated. Thank you both. Can’t recommend you highly enough.

Beyond being a great professional, Yavnik has always been very empathetic, kind and understanding making me feel secure throughout the process.

Elizabeth saved my life. Honestly. She’s a powerhouse and genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever been lucky enough to know. I’ve come a long way, but without her none of this would have even been possible. Please tell her thank you and also my congrats to her too!

Didlaw is characterised by the team’s people-focused approach, genuine empathy and ability to provide astute legal advice.

Karen Jackson is superb at what she does; one of the best negotiators I have ever met; excellent client care skills; measured; knows both the law and how to use it. Provides good instructions at the right time and with the right degree of detail. A pleasure to work with.

Karen has a real skill in being able to deliver clear and coherent advice to vulnerable people in a manner which empowers them to make decisions about their rights and claims.

I can’t recommend Didlaw enough. From my initial telephone call right through to the end, their professionalism was exceptional. I absolutely trusted their advice which resulted in a wonderful outcome. Thank you!

Karen is passionate about holding organisations to account when they treat their employees unfairly at work. If you need legal experts to fight your corner then I strongly recommend that you contact the team at didlaw.

The whole process from the point of instruction to finish was smooth, well managed and quick. The relief of having Karen fight my corner was immense and I would recommend her and her firm in a heartbeat. Professional, slick, easy to talk to and generally awesome.

we are never far away, providing nationwide coverage.

As a nationwide employment law firm, we act for employees across the UK in employment discrimination cases. Contact us today to book your free telephone assessment.

Book Your FREE Consultation

© didlaw 2024

didlaw is a trading name of Didlaw Limited, a limited company registered in England & Wales under co. number 8642712.

The registered office is 3 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2SW. Solicitor | Director Karen Jackson. Non-lawyer | Director Chris Jackson