The UK government has created several programs to help businesses cope with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. They announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in March, with more than 7 million workers using the program to replace lost income due to business closures. There are changes to the scheme coming in August allowing workers to return to their jobs on a part-time basis and still receive benefits.

Businesses in the UK will have to contribute a percentage of employee pay who return to part-time work, and the government will cover the remaining percentage up to the 80% threshold currently being paid. This is limited up to £2500 per month for each employee based on salary. The government will continue to subsidize businesses instead of paying the entire 80% of employee pay.

Another new rebate program has been developed for companies with less than 250 employees, called the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rebate. This program is being funded by Her Magesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to help employers claim compensation for sick pay to employees who have been impacted by coronavirus. This rebate allows employers to claim up to 2 weeks of SSP paid to employees and does not require certification from a doctor to claim compensation.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Program and Statutory Sick Pay Rebate were created to help UK businesses with losses suffered due to the ongoing pandemic. If you have employees in the UK, it is vital to stay ahead of changes, ensure compliance, and request compensation if needed. Talk to us today about simplifying payroll in the UK