Coronavirus Hub

From 28 September 2020, people in England are required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and employers must not allow them to attend work.

A legal duty to collect test and trace data, removal of the ‘five steps to working safely’ guidance, and new advice on running testing programmes are among the updates to government guidance for business affected by COVID-19.

In response to COVID-19, certain changes have been made to the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms must now isolate for at least 10 days.

From 31 July 2020 employers must pay redundancy at the employee’s normal weekly rate (capped at £538 per week) and statutory notice at the employee’s normal rate (uncapped) rather than their furloughed rate.

The Chancellor has outlined a range of measures to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 1 August 2020, those shielding will be able to return to work.

A third of employers are fraudulently abusing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Employees who return from statutory maternity and paternity leave will be eligible for furlough even after the 10 June cut off, provided that they work for an employer who has previously furloughed employees under the scheme.

The government has no plans to activate the statutory provisions which enable workers to take emergency volunteering leave.