The guidance confirms that, for employees who self-isolated prior to 13 March 2020, the three waiting days would still be applicable and SSP would be payable from the fourth ‘qualifying day’, and not from day one.
Any employees who self-isolated from 13 March 2020 onwards, would be entitled to payment of SSP from the first ‘qualifying day’ that they are absent from work, providing they are off for a minimum of four days in a row. The main difference is that the waiting days do not have to be served.
CIPP comment
Although the update to guidance confirms that a Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW) must be observed when paying SSP from day one of sickness in relation to self-isolation, there are still many questions that we await answers to, predominantly those that focus on the SSP reclaim scheme for employers. The CIPP will continue to alert its members to any developments in this area, via News Online and various social media platforms.
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Collection of DEAs issued by DWP suspended 3 April 2020
We have received several calls into our Advisory team in relation to Direct Earning Attachment Orders (DEAs) issued by the Department of Work and Pension (DWP). Members have advised that they have been contacted by DWP and have been told to suspend all DEAs processed via their payroll that have been issued by them. Upon investigation, DWP have, in fact, issued a statement on their debt management telephone line, advising that all debt management collection in relation to over payments of benefits, tax credits and social funds have been suspended for a temporary period. They will not be issuing any new collection notices nor collecting any debt during this time. Employers who process DEAs for DWP via their payroll are advised to suspend all DEA collections, and to not set up new orders that may have recently been received. You are not required to speak to an advisor or gain authorisation to action this.
Official guidance will be published very soon, however, if you would like to hear the notice given, you can call 0800 916 0614, selecting option 1 for employers.
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Public sector contractors will be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 3 April 2020
In guidance notes published by The Cabinet Office, it has been confirmed that off-payroll contractors working through Personal Service Companies (PSCs) within public sector organisations, will be eligible for the furlough scheme.
The document, which is six pages in length, makes it clear that any contingent workers, inclusive of those who are on short term contracts or who have hours that vary can apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, where they work within the public sector. There is no indication at the time of publication that this eligibility will be extended to off- payroll workers in the private sector.
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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