Statutory sick pay for workers who are shielding ends TODAY
BRITS can no longer claim statutory sick pay (SSP) on the basis that they're shielding.
From today, August 1, those who are protecting vulnerable family members will be expected to return to work.
Workers can still receive SSP if they’re self-isolating because of coronavirus symptoms.
Along with statutory sick pay, the government has also pulled certain support packages, such as food parcels for at-risk households.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed shielding was being "paused"; in a press conference update on June 23.
However, he said it could be brought back for some groups if necessary.
What support can I get once my sick pay payments stop?
FOR those who are worried about returning to work in August, there are still options for you once your SSP is stopped.
- Speak to your employer - The government has said those who are concerned should speak to their employers about how they're feeling to try and come to an agreement. Matt Hancock said he expect employers to "do the right thing".
- Universal credit - You can apply for Universal Credit,
- Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the
- If you're renting, speak to your landlord - A ban on evictions has been extended until 23 August in England & Wales, so your landlord can't kick you out of your home if you're struggling. However, you have to set up an affordable repayment plan with your landlord, which takes your circumstances into account. It's best to pay as much as you can, when you can, to stop arrears building up.
- If you're paying a mortgage, ask your bank for a three month mortgage holiday - The payment freeze has been pushed until October 31 this year. We've created a guide of how to apply for one here.
- Payment holidays - You can get a three month payment holiday on your loans and credit cards, and you have until 9 July 2020 to request one. Here's how to apply for one.
Around two millions Brits were shielding at the end of June.
Speaking at the time, Mr Hancock said: "We've taken this decision based on clinical advice on the safety of being able to go back to work.
"We've extended the shielding programme until the end of July and then it will be paused.
"I use 'paused' very deliberately, because the list will continue and should the clinical advice be that we need to bring it back in, then that's what we'll do."
What is statutory sick pay (SSP)?
If you're too sick to work, you may qualify for SSP from your employer.
To qualify for sick pay, you must work for an employer and earn on average at least £118 per week (£6,136 per year).
The weekly rate for statutory sick pay is £95.85 for up to 28 weeks, although most employers will pay more than this.
From April 16, employers were told to start paying sick pay to those who were shielding from the first day an employee was off work.
Businesses didn't have to pay any money for someone who was shielding before this date.
Boris Johnson has confirmed that people who qualify for SSP and have to isolate due to coronavirus can get paid from day one.
Previously, you would have needed to be off sick for four days in a row to get SSP.
You won't qualify if you're already received the maximum amount of pay - which is 28 weeks.
You also won't qualify if you're getting Statutory Maternity Pay.
Can I refuse to go back to work?
If you’re concerned about returning to work, you should speak to your boss straight away to discuss your options.
Businesses should ultimately still support your decision to work from home if you can continue to do so.
However, employers do still have the right to tell you where they'd like you to work.
If you ultimately decide not to go in and your boss fires you, you may have grounds to bring an unfair dismissal claim to an employment tribunal, according to Michael Newman, partner at law firm Leigh Day.
Who is exempt from returning to work?
You'll only be exempt from returning to work if you're showing symptoms of coronavirus.
In this scenario, you should self-isolate for at least ten days and you shouldn't go to work or even leave your home.
See the for more on what to do in this situation.
If you still don't feel safe returning to work, speak to your boss as soon as possible to discuss your options.
If you're pregnant, for example, charity Citizens Advice says your employer has a responsibility to make changes to your job so it’s safe for you to keep working.
It's also worth raising your concerns to your boss if you have a health condition or you're over 70.
Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, told The Sun: "Many people in the shielded group will have mixed emotions about the latest government guidance.
"Some will feel worried about whether their workplace will be Covid-secure, particularly if they are in a frontline role or need to travel to work on public transport."
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