13.03.2020

New regulations have come into force today (13 March 2020) which provide for statutory sick pay (SSP) to be payable to employees who self-isolate in accordance with government advice.  

The regulations do this by amending the definition of ‘persons deemed incapable of work’ for the purposes of SSP entitlement. This definition now includes a person who is unable to work because they are isolating themselves from other people to prevent infection or contamination with coronavirus disease, in accordance with guidance published by Public Health England, NHS National Services Scotland or Public Health Wales. This could clearly cover a person who is self-isolating but is not ill.

However, these regulations do not make SSP payable for the first three qualifying days in any period of incapacity for work, which was one of the measures announced by government at the beginning of March. We will let you know when regulations implementing that change are published.  

How we can help

We will be publishing updated and extended FAQs on issues affecting members which arise from the COVID-19 outbreak next week.