What is the advice for people who may have symptoms of the Coronavirus infection
(COVID-19)?
Current advice from Public Health England for people is that if you have symptoms of Coronavirus
infection (COVID-19), however mild, you must stay at home and do not leave your house for
seven days beginning from when your symptoms started.
The guidance is clear that employees should take time off work if they are ill.
The Government is clear that employers should support their staff’s welfare, especially during an extended response.
By law, medical evidence is not required for the first seven days of sickness (i.e. employees can
self-certify).
After seven days, it is for the employer to determine what evidence they require, if any, from the employee. To make it easier for people to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home, we are developing an alternative form of evidence to the fit note.
These will shortly be available through NHS online.
Q. I find it really difficult to work from home. There’s no space and the kids get in the way. Can my employer make me work from home?
You should discuss your situation with your employer.
We would expect most employers and employees to reach a sensible compromise and come to a solution that best meets both parties’ needs, bearing in mind the latest public health advice.
Statutory Sick Pay will be paid from day one instead of day four, and if you're on a zero hours contract, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
Check with your employer if you’re unsure.
If you’re not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, you may be able to apply for https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/ or https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
If you are self-employed you can apply for Universal Credit: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
If your whole family has to stay at home and there’s no income coming in you can apply for
Universal Credit: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
If you would like to find out more about information about COVID-19: guidance for employees go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-aboutcovid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees
Within University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust we have been sending specialist messages to our staff to give them specific guidance on Covid-19.
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