Shielding and sick pay

A. From 13 March 2020 the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules were extended to those who had COVID-19 or symptoms of it or were self-isolating through living with someone with the symptoms.

It also became payable from the first day of the absence, instead of day four.

The rules were amended again on 16 April and from that date includes those who are “shielding”, meaning they are clinically extremely vulnerable and are advised to take additional action to prevent them from coming into contact with the coronavirus.

They were further extended with effect from 28 May to those who have been notified by the NHS or public health bodies through a “track and trace” service that they have come into contact with someone with coronavirus.

As long as you’ve been told to shield by a GP or the NHS and meet the qualifying conditions, you’ll be entitled to receive SSP as a minimum. Your employer should pay any additional amount you’re entitled to as part of your contract. The qualifying conditions are that you have done some work under an employment contract and are earning at least £120 a week.