If you have a member of staff who has the recognised symptoms of Coronavirus, they and the rest of their household should self-isolate for 14 days. During this period, their absence should be treated as sickness and paid as per your sickness absence policy.

The government have advised that SSP will be payable from day one of sickness (rather than the usual day 4) and a fit note is also not required at this stage. Work is in place to eventually be able to get a fit note digitally through 111 although this is not yet in place.

They have also confirmed they will allow small and medium-size businesses (less than 250 employees) to reclaim SSP for employees with COVID-19 for up to 2 weeks per eligible employee. Further guidance on how to reclaim this will be published in the coming weeks/months.

Contact us today to discuss the points raised in this post or any other concerns you have as a business owner, about your personal finances, or, as an employer now on 0330 088 7111.