Sick pay from day one for Brits who self-isolate over coronavirus

Credit: BBC

During Prime Minister’s questions today, Boris Johnson stated that workers will now be entitled to sick pay from day one of their self-isolation.

Recent Stories

[recent_post_slider limit=”3″]

The Prime Minister has stated: “I can today announce the Health Secretary will bring forward as part of emergency legislation, measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under current rules.

“I think that is the right thing.”

The majority of employers pay sick pay anyway, but it will depend on your contract.

If they don’t end up offering it, then Brits will have to deal with the previous system and would need to be ill for three days before they can then start claiming Statutory Sick Pay from the fourth day.

It doesn’t cover everyone, as to be able to qualify, you need to be earning at least £118 a week.

Johnson said that anyone who does not qualify for sick pay for self-isolation could instead look into claiming Universal Credit.

Experts have warned that there needed to be more help for two million low-paid workers who don’t earn the minimum amount required or those five million self-employed workers who can’t claim sick pay.

However, Boris hinted that there would be more help on its way for workers over the next few days.

Johnson went on to say: “We are urgently looking at the application process to reflect on the advice on self-isolation.

“We want to do everything we can to avoid penalising those who are doing the right thing.”

[recent_post_slider design=”design-1″]

Experts have previously warned the virus would likely kill Brits as it continues to spread.

Professor Chris Whitty has said that there is a high chance that it would become a pandemic in the UK and that we were on the verge of being unable to contain it.

NHS have now been put on the highest level of alert to get ready for the outbreak to come.

Our Previous articles on Coronavirus:

Serious crimes may be exclusive focus of police if COVID-19 spreads

‘Widespread transmission’ of the coronavirus more likely in the UK

Pope Francis cancels event as he’s taken ill amid Italy coronavirus crisis

Did a science fiction novel predict Coronavirus in the 80s?

Northern Italy travellers must self-isolate due to Coronavirus

Seven Coronavirus deaths in Italy

25 Schools in the UK closing/sending people home amid Coronavirus fears