Over the pandemic many companies across the UK have seen a significant drop in absence due to illness where their team CAN and HAVE worked from home. Hybrid working has delivered many benefits into employers and employees.
The Office for National Statistics data highlights that absences fell by 5.3% to a record low of 1.8 days per year taken by employees across the country.
That automatically saved the British economy £338million! As in 2019 businesses paid a whopping £6,985,492,500 on sickness.
If you are a small business that saving in sick pay has undoubtedly had a positive impact on your bottom line. However it’s unlikely that you have not paid out due to COVID sickness recently with infection rates so high.
As the Omicron variant hit the UK hard late 2021 the chancellor re-introduced a package to help SMEs (those who employ less than 250 people) to claim two weeks Statutory Sick Pay for anyone who was absent due to COVID-19.
You’ll need to submit your claim by the 24th March 2022 and it’s only available for absences after 21st December 2021. You can check if you can claim back SSP that has been paid to your employees due to coronavirus on the government’s website by CLICKING HERE.
Ascentant Accountancy are Accountant’s based in Derby who specialise in working with Small Businesses across the Country – Get in touch on 01332 981920 or info@ascentant.co.uk to discuss your needs.
We can be found at Suite 5 Keynes House, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4AS.
