Your FAQs Answered on COVID-19


This brief aims to answer some of the questions that are most commonly being asked of us this week. Answers will reflect our view of the legal minimum, but employers are free to operate better, but not worse arrangements.

There are a number of considerations that employers should be aware of, such as:

  • People are advised not to attend GP practices but to diagnose themselves or via NHS 111. This means that getting medical certificates may prove difficult or impossible;
  • There is a concern that people may take advantage of the ongoing situation, but it is difficult to see how this can be avoided – proving it may prove problematic;
  • Companies are considering their arrangements for contractual sick pay if it is in place – please contact our team if you are;
  • Any testing regime which you seek to put in place – temperature checks etc. – need consent to be undertaken.
  • We have separate briefs on reducing staff and COVID in general.

FAQs

 

How do I deal with the following employees who are:

 

Staying at home to look after children who can no longer attend school due to the school shutdown?

This is likely to qualify for dependent leave for the time that they are required to look after children and is unpaid, and effectively without limit of time. Employers could consider alternatives to unpaid leave such as changing working patterns to help make short term arrangements, using leave etc.

Self Isolating with no symptoms and not working from home?

This would be unpaid or holidays, unless if they are self isolating because a family member is showing symptoms when they would be entitled to SSP. The period of self isolation is 14 days.

Self Isolating with no symptoms but working from home?

This would be paid as normal for the time worked.

Self Isolating due to being in a vulnerable group and therefore not working?

This should be paid as SSP or holidays.

Self Isolating due to being in a vulnerable group and working from home?

This would be paid as normal for the time worked.

Staying at home because of a family member and not working?

This would either be unpaid or holidays. If family member is showing symptoms then SSP would apply. If family member unwell for any other reason the unpaid time off for dependents process would apply, or holiday as the employee prefers. If staying at home because family member is in a vulnerable group but showing no symptoms would be either unpaid or holidays.

Staying at home because of a family member and working?

This would be paid as normal for the time worked.