How long does a very small business need to keep someone signed off employed?

[ohsososo]

I mean very small business. As in one employee. They are signed off due to a car accident. It’s been 6 weeks and there is no sign of them being able to return. I have no experience of running a business. I just employ one person in a role that needs doing.

I can’t afford to pay a short term person to cover as well as pay the signed off person indefinitely.

is there government support I could get? What is SSP? Do I claim something back? Surely if there has to be a point where it’s determined I can let them go.

I’m not some awful person. I’ve already put up with so much. Missed days due to an addiction. Give them paid time off weekly to attend counselling. I’ve been really supportive but it’s become untenable.

If you don’t have to pay him full pay contractually get him onto SSP sharpish. That may hurry him back to work. At the moment there’s no impact on him for being off so no need to rush back. Then look at getting some
OH/medical evidence to give you a better idea of what’s going on.

I had a really helpful conversation with Nanny Tax. As people did tell me, Namny Tax are very knowledgeable and gave me pretty much all the information I need.
I hadn’t even thought to contact them which sounds a bit stupid but we have not had to question anything ever in over 20 years

I think youre mistaken.

There's no difference for domestic positions.

Although what is expected from small employers may be different.

Anyhow, I hope your nannytax people sorted it.

They were extremely helpful thanks. And as I explained it’s not that the rules are different. It’s that a huge part of the proceeding are based on what is considered a reasonable length of time and what the employer could reasonably do with regards to reasonable adjustments. And due to the nature of domestic work, the time frame and the adjustments in both of these factors is much shorter/easier to justify than in most other employment situations.