Statutory sick pay extension in Northern Ireland

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme for claiming back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for coronavirus related absences, is now closed for employers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, the situation in Northern Ireland, in relation to paying SSP for Covid absence from the first day of absence, remains the same until 24 September 2022.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Statutory Sick Pay) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 states that the rules relating to SSP for Covid related absences are extended until 24 September 2022. So, the payment rules in Northern Ireland relating to employees being paid SSP for the first three days of absence are extended.

This temporary removal of the three-day waiting period for employees claiming SSP as a result of COVID-19 only. If the employee cannot work while self-isolating, because of a Covid related absence, they could get SSP for every day they are in isolation, from day one. They must however self-isolate for at least four days to be eligible.

Further information and conditions can be found on the Labour Relations website.