As lockdown eases, you may be returning to work at your shop, office, restaurant or studio. If you have employees, then your first priority will be ensuring that they can return to work safely and that you can start to interact with customers in a safe environment.
Also, as an employer, there are several financial responsibilities which we wanted to update you about in this article. If we manage your payroll, then our team will keep you up to date with what needs to be done.
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme was set up so employers can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees. This includes current and former employees. If you have not already made a claim, follow this link to access the online service – Claim back Statutory Sick Pay.
You can claim for two weeks, and this scheme covers all types of contracts, including Zero Hour contracts and Fixed Term contracts. It is a good idea to make a claim as soon as possible because we do not know when the scheme will end.
What to do if employees need to look after dependents
Advice issued by Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service states that if an employee needs to take time off to look after a dependent in an emergency or if they have coronavirus then they need to negotiate time off with their employer. There is no statutory right to pay in these situations, but the employer can decide to pay the employee.
However, if the dependent has coronavirus and lives in the same household, the employee is entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
Expenses for employees working at home
If your employees have been working from home during the lockdown or will continue to do so as lockdown eases it is worth understanding which expenses are taxable. This does not apply to any staff on furlough.
The key here is understanding which services, e.g. mobile phone, broadband, office equipment etc. have been put in place purely for business use as opposed to services that are used for both business and private purposes. Click on this link to see the full list – Check which expenses are taxable if your employee works from home due to coronavirus.
Update on apprenticeships
Guidance has been issued to help employers, apprentices and training providers about the support available and steps that can be put into place to keep the apprenticeship running. Click here to view this – Covid-19 Apprenticeship Programme Response.
If you need any further advice, please contact us, and we will be able to help you.
You can call 01623 490 120 or email