The government is expecting people who have returned from holiday or business in certain countries to “self-isolate” for 14 days. The same applies for anyone who has been in contact with an infected person. Understandable in the current situation but what does it mean for employees, workers and the self-employed?
It’s not great news I’m afraid – “self-isolation” is to be treated under normal sick leave and sick pay entitlements. So if your employer only pays Statutory Sick Pay that is what you will receive. Following an announced rushed-through legislation change, this at least will be payable from day 1 for absences related to self-isolation. You are entitled to receive £94.25 for each week you’re keeping yourself locked away.
If your employer is nice enough to pay company sick pay then you’re in luck and, depending on the rules of the scheme, won’t lose out. However, if company sick pay is limited per year then your “lockdown” absence would likely count towards that allowance.
We would hope that many employers are flexible and supportive and allow staff in isolation to work from home and pay them but of course that is not possible with all jobs. You can’t make a latte for a customer from home and likewise you can’t serve customers in your local Whetherspoons* from home. *The pub chain was one of the first employers to inform staff that “normal rules apply”.
Lastly, under sick leave rules a “fit note” is required from the 7th day of absence, so on top of being isolated and potentially out of money, an employee is expected to organise a doctor’s note without being able to visit the practice.
As for the self-employed – well unless you are lucky enough to be able to do some work while in “lockdown” you’re out of luck; no work = no pay. If you have income protection insurance you might be lucky and they pay, but that depends on the terms of your policy.
And what if you’re a low-paid worker? The law says you only qualify for SSP if your weekly earnings are at least £118 per week. If you earn less = no SSP.
But don’t fret if you’re low paid or self-employed! The government has implied that you could possibly qualify for Universal Credit.
We don’t want to make anyone jealous – but the German government announced last week that it will foot the bill for wage payments to people in quarantine.
Questions ? Please email us at sebastian@tiger-hr.com.