Build UK’s update the industry amid the covid-19 outbreak 

The online service for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme has launched today, enabling employers with fewer than 250 employees to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related SSP. Employers can claim for periods of sickness covering up to two weeks starting on or after:

  • 13 March 2020 – if their employee(s) had coronavirus or the symptoms, or was self-isolating because someone they live with had symptoms
  • 16 April 2020 – if their employee(s) was shielding because of coronavirus.

The government has published guidance on submitting a claim and, to avoid any delays with your submission, you will need the following to hand before you start:

  • A government gateway ID and password – if you don’t already have an account, you can apply online
  • Registration for PAYE online – if you aren’t yet registered, you can do so online. If you have an agent authorised to act for you on PAYE matters online, they can submit a claim on your behalf
  • Employer PAYE scheme reference number
  • Total amount of coronavirus-related SSP you have paid to your employees for the claim period, which should not exceed the weekly rate at the time – you can use the SSP calculator to work out the amount
  • Number of employees you are claiming for
  • Start date and end date of the claim period
  • UK bank account and contact details.

Once you have submitted your claim and it has been validated, you will be paid the amount within six working days. You must keep records of the SSP that you have claimed back from HMRC, as well as the following records for three years after the date you receive the rebate in the event of any dispute over payment:

  • The dates each employee was off sick
  • Which of those dates were qualifying days
  • The reason they gave for missing work (i.e. if they had symptoms, someone they lived with had symptoms, or they were shielding)
  • The employee’s National Insurance number.

Employers who are unable to claim online should have received a letter on an alternative way to claim; if you haven’t received a letter, you can contact HMRC.

HMRC is hosting a series of webinars on making a claim under the scheme across a number of dates and times this week.

Large businesses can now borrow up to 25% of their turnover, up to a maximum of £200 million, through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). Companies borrowing more than £50 million will be subject to restrictions on dividend payments, senior pay and share buy-backs during the period of the loan.

Businesses should continue to follow the most up-to-date government guidance and for the latest updates please follow Build UK on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any construction-specific queries or feedback on what is happening within the industry, please contact Build UK. 

Construction workers requiring accommodation whilst working away from home can find over 28,000 beds across the UK and Ireland via Build UK’s repurposed Open Doors website.

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