Entitlement to statutory sick pay has been extended to people who have been told to self-isolate under the new NHS Test and Trace service.
The Test and Trace system means that those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be contacted to share their recent contacts and must isolate for 14 days even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, “If you are instructed by the NHS, for public health reasons, to stay at home then that is the equivalent in employment law to being ill and it is very important that employers are flexible about this.”
Employers are encouraged to risk assess their workplaces and consider contingency planning in case employees are forced to take 2 weeks off work without notice.
Make it clear to all employees that they must inform you if they have been asked to self-isolate and that they must comply with this request.
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