With Coronavirus spreading and talk of self isolation on the horizon, you’ll probably be wondering where you stand when it comes to sick pay.
Whether you end up sick after a holiday abroad, or end up being sent home for a quarantine and can’t work, you’ll likely be in need of sick pay…
If you have to take time off work:
If you think you may have Coronavirus yourself, or could have come into contact with someone who does have the virus, you must tell your employer as soon as possible.
You may be asked not to return to work to limit the spread of the virus to other workers.
If you are able to work from home, maybe talk to your boss about this option to ensure that you are still earning some sort of income while you’re in quarantine.
If you’re not able to do your job from home though, you may be advised to use your time off as sick days.
As long as you work for an employer, you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, providing you’ve been ill for at least four days consecutively and earn approximately £6,136 per annum.
Your boss may still pay you your full wage while you’re away, but the statutory minimum entitlement is £94.25 per week.
You may also be asked by your employer for a doctors note after five days out of action.
What if i’m self employed?
The governments potential plans of self isolation could have a huge impact on over 2 million workers who aren’t entitled to sick leave.
If you’re self employed, unfortunately you won’t be entitled to sick pay. This also includes the Armed Forces, those in legal custody, people who have already received Statutory Sick Pay, or those who have received Employment and Support within the last three months.
If you’re on a zero hour contract…
Those on zero hour contracts may be refused sick pay by their employers, but you are in fact still entitled to it providing you have worked for the company and have been ill for 4 days in a row.
Zero hour workers will have over the past 8 weeks, had to have earned a minimum of £118 a week before tax to qualify also.
You will only get paid SSP for those contracted days you were supposed to be in work, and unfortunately you won’t be entitled to anything for the first 3 days that you’re ill.
If you hit the criteria and your employer still refuses to pay you, Citizens Advice suggests you ask for an explanation and if those reasons are not valid, you can contact the body for help.
If you’re refused sick pay but are entitled to it…
If your boss tries to take advantage of the difficult situation and refuses to pay you, you can tell them to fill in a government sick pay form to explain their reasons.
Once you have the form back in your possession, you can contact HM Revenue and customs on 0300 200 3200 who will ultimately decide whether you are in fact entitled or not.
If you are and they still won’t pay you, you can then contact ACAS (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitrary Service) and they will talk to your employer for you.
