Current government guidance is that an individual should self-isolate at home for 14 days after visiting certain areas or after having close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

An employee must self –isolate for 7 days if they are diagnosed with coronavirus or from when their symptoms started however mild.

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is available for individuals who are absent because they are self-isolating. This will include employees who do not have symptoms, as well as those who are diagnosed with, or show signs of, coronavirus.

If an employee is told to be absent by their employer as a preventative measure, they are entitled to be paid in full (unless the contract provides otherwise).

SSP will be payable from the first day of absence, rather than the usual fourth day, for “people who have COVID-19 or have to self-isolate, in accordance with government guidelines”.

If the employee is advised to self-isolate but is fit enough to work, you may as an alternative to SSP, consider arranging for them to work from home if possible and pay them in full or part time or take annual leave to ease the financial burden that may be placed on the employee otherwise having to take SSP.