Clinic closing 2 weeks. Workers only entitled to sick pay?

[Nemo Sum]

Friend (real not hypothetical, and not me) works in a clinic. A doctor in said clinic has called in sick stating viral symptoms, fever etc, may/may not be Covid-19. Business chairman/owner has closed the clinic immediately (prudent possibly) and told everyone working to self isolate. Friend has done this but is not sick, has no symptoms.

Chairman has said that friend and other colleagues will receive statutory sick pay only for the 2 weeks and nothing more. Legally is this correct?

[rlw]

What does it say in the friend's contract of employment?

[Jasandjules]

Look up Furlough - his employer (in the UK I assume) can register.

[V8fan]

This furlough scheme has been announced, but no money yet, probaby not til April through HMRC. Sick pay is available immediately, but only if they themselves are sick, surely?

[Nemo Sum]

Appreciate, the advice. I read about Furlough status on the government website last night however, nothing has been finalised as mentioned. More importantly under my understanding they wouldn't qualify for that status anyway as a) they aren't sick and no one in their household is either b) the employer can afford to cover their wages.

Checking the contract is a good idea I will ask them to do so. Would have thought a clause existing stating you can be sent home and paid less when there's nothing wrong with you would potentially be unfair but I'll freely admit I know nothing.

Government link below for those who fancy a gander

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidanc...

[W124Bob]

My employer emailed me yesterday , I'm a partime caretaker(contracted 28hrs per month) in a community hall they are a registered charity. All 4 employees will be payed via the scheme according to what they have told us. I have only been working a month and wasn't really expecting anything , I assume theirbookeeper/treasurer has got it right. Ironically the lockdown is keeping me out of coffee shops !

[martinbiz]

Nemo Sum said:

Appreciate, the advice. I read about Furlough status on the government website last night however, nothing has been finalised as mentioned. More importantly under my understanding they wouldn't qualify for that status anyway as a) they aren't sick and no one in their household is either b) the employer can afford to cover their wages.

Checking the contract is a good idea I will ask them to do so. Would have thought a clause existing stating you can be sent home and paid less when there's nothing wrong with you would potentially be unfair but I'll freely admit I know nothing.

Government link below for those who fancy a gander

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidanc...

Nemo I think you may have misunderstood, the furlough status is nothing to do with being sick, it’s a job retention scheme to protect your job and pay up to 80% of £2,500 pm, we are in the process of registering our sales team now who can no long perform their duties and in normal circumstances would be laid off. Registration is easy, the issues are when and how the co gets reimbursed, that is the unknown and at the moment the gov have not worked that bit out yet

[KevinCamaroSS]

Sick pay can only be claimed if sick, so the OP's friend cannot claim sick pay. The business owner told them to self isolate so he needs to explain what the business plans are for this event. He may say they need to take holiday, either paid or unpaid.

[Nemo Sum]

martinbiz said:

Nemo I think you may have misunderstood, the furlough status is nothing to do with being sick, it’s a job retention scheme to protect your job and pay up to 80% of £2,500 pm, we are in the process of registering our sales team now who can no long perform their duties and in normal circumstances would be laid off. Registration is easy, the issues are when and how the co gets reimbursed, that is the unknown and at the moment the gov have not worked that bit out yet

You are right I have misunderstood and possibly still do. Your clarification seems to raise another issue though. They are not sick so not entitled to statutory sick pay. I believe there is little chance of them losing their job either and thus wouldn't qualify for furlough status right? I suppose it depends on the level of proof the company have to provide when registering/applying for it, assuming they apply for it, which I heavily suspect they won't as the clinic will need to be up and running asap and you are not meant to work for your employer if such a status is granted.

KevinCamaroSS said:

Sick pay can only be claimed if sick, so the OP's friend cannot claim sick pay. The business owner told them to self isolate so he needs to explain what the business plans are for this event. He may say they need to take holiday, either paid or unpaid.

Will pass on the message to ask, thanks. I'm expecting them to be fobbed off but will update if I receive info.

[martinbiz]

KevinCamaroSS said:

Sick pay can only be claimed if sick, so the OP's friend cannot claim sick pay. The business owner told them to self isolate so he needs to explain what the business plans are for this event. He may say they need to take holiday, either paid or unpaid.

That is incorrect, if they are told to self isolate they will qualify for the enhanced 2 week ssp from day one

[Helicopter123]

martinbiz said:

KevinCamaroSS said:

Sick pay can only be claimed if sick, so the OP's friend cannot claim sick pay. The business owner told them to self isolate so he needs to explain what the business plans are for this event. He may say they need to take holiday, either paid or unpaid.

That is incorrect, if they are told to self isolate they will qualify for the enhanced 2 week ssp from day one

This is my understanding as well.

[Nemo Sum]

For all that responded, thank you for the help. Their employer is applying for furloughed status. Crisis averted for now.