It was confirmed in yesterday’s budget that, as a temporary measure to help contain the spread of the Coronavirus, the Government will refund employers with fewer than 250 employees (to be determined by the number of people a business employed as of 28 February 2020) the first 14 days of Statutory Sick Pay they pay to employees as a result of Coronavirus related absence.

It is anticipated that this measure will come into effect at the same time as the temporary regulations to extend Statutory Sick Pay to be available from day one (rather than day four) for employees who self-isolate.

It was also announced that the Government will introduce a temporary alternative to the fit note in the coming weeks which can be used for the duration of the Coronavirus outbreak. This will enable people who are advised to self-isolate to obtain a notification via NHS111 which they can use as evidence for absence from work where necessary. This notification would meet an employers’ need for evidence when paying Statutory Sick Pay. If you would like more advice on any of the issues raised above or in our Coronavirus FAQs (read here), please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.