Northern Ireland extends coronavirus SSP provisions
28 March 2022
The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Statutory Sick Pay) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 was made on 23 March 2022.
This Statutory Rule sets Northern Ireland apart from the rest of the UK when it comes to SSP rules, as this is a devolved responsibility.
From 25 March 2022, SSP rules reverted to normal in the UK, being paid after the third qualifying day of illness, regardless of the sickness reason. Northern Ireland will retain the rules that allowed those with coronavirus to be eligible from day one. This will remain in place until 24 September 2022.
The SSP rules should apply based on where the employee conducts their work. While there is an overlap in how the rules are applied, employers must be vigilant to remain compliant.