Everything you need to know about sick pay during coronavirus pandemic

With all our lives affected by the outbreak, manager Joe Michna is offering his expertise to answer questions on a series of issues from accommodation, and employment rights, to scams and more.

In this advice piece, he answers a variety of questions people may be asking themselves about sick pay.

Am I entitled to sick pay if I catch Covid-19?

If you are employed and get coronavirus you will get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the first day you are off ill.

You will not have to give your employer proof you are ill for the first seven days. After that your employer can ask to see a fit note to prove you are too ill to work.

Do not ask your GP for a fit note but call the 111 online Coronavirus Service.

What if I’m not sick but self isolating?

If you are not ill but are following government guidance to self-isolate and cannot work from home, you will be entitled to SSP.

You can get an ‘isolation note’ for your employer from work on the NHS website or app.

Who qualifies for Statutory Sick Payment?

Employees are legally entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer providing you are sick for four full days or more in a row and earn on average at least £120 a week before tax.

You are still entitled to SSP if you work part-time or on a fixed term contract. Agency and casual workers may be entitled to SSP until their assignments end.

People on zero hours contracts are also eligible.

If you are not entitled to SSP your employer should give you a SSP1 form.

How much do I get?

If you are entitled to SSP you can get £98.85 a week for up to 28 weeks. Your contract of employment might also say that you are entitled to contractual sick

pay.

What if my employer refuses to pay?

Contact the HMRC employees enquiry line on 0300 2003500.

For further advice contact Citizens Advice Hartlepool on (01429) 408401, 0300 330 9005, or email [email protected] and [email protected]

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