Payroll and Sick Pay (SSP) during the Coronavirus Crisis

In an unprecedented time for businesses across the nation, certain practices and procedures have been changed or amended including payroll and paying staff. If you are worried and want to know how it may affect you and your current obligations, Page Kirk's payroll expert Nicola Cantrill shares her advice on the government's new rules during the coronavirus crisis.

What should I do if an employee is self-isolating due to COVID-19?

Employees must receive statutory sick pay (SSP) if they have been advised to self-isolate by a doctor or NHS 111. They also need to receive SSP if they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus, such as a high temperature or a new cough. If someone in their household has symptoms, they also have to self-isolate and are entitled to SSP.

What should I do if an employee is off sick because of COVID-19?

If an employee is off sick due to the coronavirus, they need to receive SSP from day one instead of the usual day four. Employees do not need a doctor's note for the first seven days. After that, they can get an online self-isolation note from the NHS website. https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

What should I do if an employee is taking care of their school children and is not able to work?

Your employees are allowed to have time off to look after someone who depends on them in an emergency. COVID-19 is classed as an emergency, so the rules apply if parents are looking after children because their school has closed. There is no law that states you have to pay your employees SSP for this, but some employers may offer pay depending on the contract or workplace policy.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

If you would like any more information about payroll, or if you would like us to submit your PAYE, then please call 0115 955 5500 or email enquiries@pagekirk.co.uk

If you have no choice but to lay people off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, you should be able to access support under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Read about it here.