Continuation of suspension of waiting days for SSP in Northern Ireland where incapacity for work due to sickness from Covid-19 that commenced on or before 24 September 2022

New statutory rule

New regulations have been issued that continue the suspension of waiting days for statutory sick pay (SSP) in Northern Ireland in specified situations.

In force from 25 September 2022, the Statutory Sick Pay (Coronavirus) (Suspension of Waiting Days) (Saving Provision) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022 (SR.No.987/2022) make a savings provision to enable the suspension of waiting days for the purposes of SSP to continue in relation to periods of incapacity for work due to sickness from coronavirus that commenced on or before 24 September 2022.

NB - the explanatory memorandum to the regulations explains that -

‘This instrument makes saving provision relating to the expiry of the powers in section 43 of the Coronavirus Act 2020. It provides that where a period of incapacity for work is related to coronavirus and has commenced on or before 24 September 2022 (that is to say, whilst section 43 was in force) waiting days will continue to be suspended in relation to that period of incapacity. This means that an employee who is sick due to coronavirus at the expiry of the power will receive SSP for every qualifying day.’

SR.No.987/2022 is available from legislation.gov.uk