who pays SSP, the goverment or employer

[annamanana]

I get SMP but think due to timing may get inflated SMP as have higher earning in that period. Are work likely to be pissed off as they are paying more, or will they claim back from government?

It depends on the business. I remember looking into this briefly when my husband was ill, the laws may have changed and I only know about SSP. The employer is the one who pays the SSP, but if it is a small employer, I think less than 10 people, then the business can claim all the money they pay back from the government so they don't lose out.

I may be wrong, perhaps someone who knows more about the subject will come along. You can try just doing a google search about it. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

It's to do with the companies NI bill. If below the threshold then the employee claims it all (plus a bit extra) back from the government.

I'm afraid the previous answers are wrong. It used to be the case that the employer could reclaim SSP if it was more than 13% of their NI bill for the month. That scheme (the Percentage Threshold Scheme) was abolished last year. SSP is now paid entirely by employers.

Since the government had the brainchild £2000 NI employment allowance, all employers, regardless of size, pay any SSP themselves and can't claim it back. Which sucks, as our business doesn't qualify for the employment allowance (you don't qualify if the majority of your income is from government sources (e.g. GP).

X post with prh

Your title asks about SSP but your post talks about SMP. Which is it?

SMP is entirely different, and the employer can claim it back, or certainly small ones can. But only the statutory element, ie, 6 weeks at 90% of average salary for the qualifying period, then the remainder at £100 odds a week.

I think, given that the OP talks about "that period", she means SMP and the qualifying period.

Ah sorry for confusion, yes meant maternity pay

OP, your employer claims back SMP. Iirc, the claim is either c94% of the cost or c106% of the cost, depending on employer size. So they shouldn't be pissed off with you.

Thanks ??