Government issues advice on sick pay entitlements for anyone self-isolating over coronavirus

The Department for Work and Pensions said changes have been made to statutory sick pay for employees unable to work due to coronavirus or because they are self isolating to prevent it spreading.

The DWP said: “To make sure people in work can take the necessary time off to stay at home if they are suffering from coronavirus or to prevent its spread, changes have been made to statutory sick pay.

“People who cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for statutory sick pay will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of their illness – we intend to legislate so this measure applies retrospectively from March 13, 2020.

“Statutory sick pay will be payable to people who are staying at home on government advice, not just those who are infected, from March 13, 2020. Employers are urged to use their discretion about what evidence, if any, they ask for.

“If employees need to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home due to coronavirus, they will be able to get it from the NHS 111 Online instead of having to get a fit note from their doctor – this is currently under development and will be made available soon.

“Self-employed claimants on Universal Credit who are required to stay at home or are ill as a result of coronavirus will not have a minimum income floor – an assumed level of income - applied for a period of time while affected.”

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The statement continued: “The government wants to ensure businesses are supported to deal with the temporary economic impacts of an outbreak of coronavirus.

“Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be able to reclaim statutory sick pay for employees unable to work because of coronavirus. This refund will be for up to two weeks per employee.”

The government has been facing calls to increase the payment level from £94.25 a week and ensure there is support for the two million low-paid workers who are not eligible.

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