When you’re feeling unwell, the last thing you want to be worrying about is money
We’re learning to live and adapt to a ‘new normal’ of life with coronavirus (Covid-19). It’s no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate if you do test positive for the virus. However you may still be wondering what financial support is available if you become unwell or would prefer to self-isolate, as recommended by the NHS.
Sick pay when you’re self-isolating
If you’ve tested positive for coronavirus and want to self-isolate, the first thing you should do is read your employer’s sickness policy. This will explain what sick pay you’re entitled to and when you’re entitled to it.
If your employer doesn’t have any sick pay arrangements for people isolating with coronavirus, you won’t be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP) unless you are too unwell to work.
Sick pay when you’re too unwell to work
If you’ve tested positive for coronavirus and are too unwell to work, you should check your employer’s sickness policy. If you are entitled to contractual sick pay, your employer’s sickness policy should outline the rules that you need to follow to claim it.
You must follow the rules in your employer’s policy otherwise you’ll be breaking a term of your contract.
Contractual sick pay is different from statutory sick pay as the rules may vary from employer to employer.
If you are not entitled to contractual sick pay, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay. Check if you’re entitled on the Citizens Advice website.
Still confused about what sick pay you’re entitled to? Check if you’re eligible for employment support from Work Well.