The Government has issued further guidance relating to Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay will be payable to people who are staying at home on Government advice, not just those who are infected, from 13 March 2020 after regulations were laid on 12 March 2020 – employers are urged to use their discretion about what evidence, if any, they ask for.

If employees need to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home due to coronavirus, they will be able to get it from the NHS 111 Online instead of having to get a fit note from their doctor – this is currently under development and will be made available soon.

Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for employees unable to work because of coronavirus. This refund will be for up to 2 weeks per employee.

It is expected that the amount to be reclaimed will be deducted from normal PAYE payments but it is important that employers keep a record of those employees who are absent, and when in order that they can balance the reclaimed amounts, if necessary.

As always, we will keep you up to date as developments unfold.