Coronavirus has taken over the headlines and has already had a significant impact on many businesses all over the world. Travel companies have seen a fall in the number of people travelling and booking holidays.
A lot of employers are left wondering whether they need to pay their employees statutory sick pay if they are either made to or choose to self-isolate.
The Health Minister, Matt Hancock appeared on television this morning and confirmed that people who are in self isolation as a result of medical advice, are to be treated as being on sick leave and if they meet the requirements, they may be eligible for statutory sick pay.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, provide that Coronavirus provides a threat to the public. Self-isolation and the measures which are contained in the regulations are there to ensure that the virus is contained and to prevent transmission to others.
If your employee is given a written notice , either by their GP or 111, to self-isolate, they are deemed in accordance with the Statutory Sick Pay
(General ) Regulations 1982, to be incapable of work, and so will be entitled to statutory sick pay.
If, however, your employee chooses to self-isolate of their own accord and is not given written notice by a health professional, they are not entitled to statutory sick pay.
If you would like any advice about sick pay entitlements or anything else HR or employment law related, please contact us on 0115 870 0150 or email us at support@guardianlaw.co.uk.
