Sick pay provisions and fit notes

Sick pay provisions during Coronavirus pandemic

Please note that from the 10 December, anyone who has been notified of a positive test result is legally required to self-isolate at home and is entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from day 1.

If you have worked for the business for more than 6 months at the commencement of the absence, the provision in the Memorandum of Agreement of one month’s normal wages as sick pay in any one year will apply.

Full details are up on the NTF website

Fit notes

The Government has brought in a temporary change to fit notes.

The period for which an employee can self-certify has been extended from 7 days to 28 days in order to free up GPs to help with the vaccination programme. This is effective from 17th December. This means that if you have been off sick on or after 10th December, your employer can only ask for proof of sickness, such as a fit note, after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days).

If you are self-isolating and cannot work because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) you can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online..

Your employer can request that the you complete a self-certification form on your return to work. This is a link to the latest Government information on fit notes: https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave