Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced measures to assist employers and employees in navigating the coronavirus outbreak in yesterday’s Budget.
Briony McDermott, employment solicitor at Wake Smith advises.
“The first change, is one that was announced on 4 March, and confirmed that statutory sick pay will be paid to all qualifying workers who choose to self-isolate, even if they don't have symptoms.
“In addition, there will be no need to go to the doctors for a sick note for absences in excess of 7 days, and sick notes will be available from the NHS 111 service.
“Assistance will be available for employers with fewer than 250 staff, in up to 14 days of statutory sick pay for coronavirus related absences (including those choosing to self-isolate) will be refunded it has been estimated that this will provide some £2billion of relief to up to two million businesses.
“For those not eligible for statutory sick pay such as the self-employed, Contributory Employment Support Allowance will be claimable from day one of sickness absence, whereas currently it is only claimable from day eight of absence.
“In addition, the minimum income threshold for Universal Credit will be temporarily removed and all applications will be handled by phone or online.
“An injection of almost half billion pounds to the welfare system will be made in order to facilitate the changes to ESA and Universal Credit.”
For further advice on employment issues contact Briony McDermott on 0114 266 6660.
