Boris Johnson has announced that those who self-isolate over coronavirus will receive sick pay from day one!
This means Brits who have to stay at home do not have to wait for four days to get sick pay.
The PM said: “Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing. 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.”
While most employers pay sick leave, it still depends on the contract. If companies don’t offer it, employees have to be sick for three days before they can claim Statutory Sick Pay.
But this does not cover all employees. To qualify, they must earn at least £118.
Boris Johnson also said that those who doesn’t quality can consider claiming Universal Credit instead.
However, experts warned that there needed to be more help for 2 million low-paid employees who do not earn £118 a week – or the 5 million self-employed who are also unable to qualify.
“This is an important step forward for working people. But it’s not enough,” said TUC boss Frances O’Grady.
“Two million workers still don’t earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay. They can’t afford not to work. And statutory sick pay still isn’t enough to live on.”
But the PM hinted there would be more help in coming days.
“We are urgently looking at the application process to reflect on the advice on self isolation,” Boris said. “We want to do everything we can to avoid penalising those who are doing the right thing.”
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Replaced!