People unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus (COVID-19) can obtain an isolation note through a new online service.
Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work.
These ‘can be obtained without contacting a doctor… and prevent people needing to leave their homes’.
For the first seven days off work, employees can self-certify… After that, employers may ask for evidence of sickness absence. Where this is related to having symptoms of coronavirus or living with someone who has symptoms, the isolation note can be used..
People who need to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance because of coronavirus will not be required to produce a fit note or an isolation note. More details on… claiming benefits can be found here.
The notes can be accessed through the NHS websiteand NHS 111 online. After answering a few questions, an isolation note will be emailed… If they don’t have an email address, they can have the note sent to a trusted family member or friend, or directly to their employer. The service can also be used… behalf of someone else.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said:
It is absolutely vital we do everything we can to ease the burden on our healthcare professionals, allowing them to spend as much time as possible with those patients that need them most.
Digital isolation notes will provide reassurance to those self-isolating and their employers while also reducing the pressure on our NHS, so they can continue doing all they can to protect the people of this country and save lives.
Based on a press release from the
PAYadvice.UK 22/3/2020
