Staff sent home from work over virus fears are entitled to sick pay

WORKERS who are asked to selfisolate over coronavirus fears are entitled to paid sick leave, the Health Secretary said yesterday.

Matt Hancock told the House of Commons that new guidance has been sent to employers.

‘Self-isolation on medical advice is considered sickness for employment purposes,’ he said.

‘It’s a very important message for employers and for those who can go home and self- isolate as if they were sick because it’s for medical reasons.’

Conciliation service Acas has also published advice to help firms and staff understand their rights.

It said normal sick pay policies apply if someone has coronavirus, but if someone displaying no symptoms is told not to come into work – for example if they have just returned from China – they should get their usual pay too.

Staff around the country are being told to work from home.

Energy giant Chevron said it had asked staff to stay away from its offices in London ‘for the time being’.

Crossrail, which shares the same building as Chevron, and media firm OMD, based in central London, have also asked staff to stay away.

Employment lawyer Martha McKinley, of Stephensons Solicitors, said asking staff to work from home was a ‘practical option’, adding: ‘If managers are faced with staff who are unwell or concerned about possible infection, a well-prepared company policy will mean they feel confident in offering the correct response and are seen to remain calm.’

A TUC spokesman said: ‘We strongly advise workers to follow the advice from Public Health England. Entitlement to sick pay will depend on your income and whether you are self-employed.

‘ Employers have a duty of care to ensure staff are able to take up health advice.’

Unite national officer for civil aviation Oliver Richardson said: ‘Unite provided advice for its cabin crew members last week that airlines should be supplying hand sanitiser and gloves for staff.

‘While there is no current requirement for masks to be worn, the union understands that if staff choose to do so this will not cause a problem.

‘The union is also encouraging airlines to have a supply of masks in case this becomes a requirement in the future.’