Unpaid time off work due to health conditions during Covid19

iananddaph

I am confused by the different info regarding being off work during the Pandemic.
I am a 66 year old male having had a heart attack early last year and a subsequent triple bypass operation, I also have impaired kidney function and had Hodgkins cancer quite a few years ago. I work for a motor factors delivering car parts to garages. a week ago I was getting very anxious about meeting so many different people during the day that I took the decision to tell my company that I would be taking some time off work unpaid (return date not known as it is due to the Covid19), I can just about manage. But because of the government's announcement of paying 80% of a workers wages (my company does not normally pay SSP), given my health circumstances do I now qualify for the 80% pay?   

calcotti

The Job Retention Scheme is support for employers to cover 80% of the wages of staff the employer would otherwise lay off. It doesn't apply to people staying home for health reasons. Obviously if your employer does need people to stay home and there are people with health problems it would be sensible for the employer to designate those employees as furloughed employees. However it is the employer that chooses.

selina2000

iananddaph said:

I am confused by the different info regarding being off work during the Pandemic.
I am a 66 year old male having had a heart attack early last year and a subsequent triple bypass operation, I also have impaired kidney function and had Hodgkins cancer quite a few years ago. I work for a motor factors delivering car parts to garages. a week ago I was getting very anxious about meeting so many different people during the day that I took the decision to tell my company that I would be taking some time off work unpaid (return date not known as it is due to the Covid19), I can just about manage. But because of the government's announcement of paying 80% of a workers wages (my company does not normally pay SSP), given my health circumstances do I now qualify for the 80% pay?   

Discuss your health concerns with your GP. He may suggest you now give up work based on what you have said. Or at least consider changing to a job that avoids you becoming so anxious.
He may also suggest its about time you give up driving on health grounds.

calcotti

Because you are of State Pension age, if you are on a low income you amy be able to claim Pension Credit to top up your income. If you have a younger partner who is of working age you will not be able to do this and would have o claim Universal Credit instead. There are online calculators to help you assess entitlement  https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Mrsn

That’s quiet a combination of health conditions, I would in your shoes consider retirement at this point to help manage with the day to day living. I appreciate that you might not want to do so or can financially do this but health wise it’s time to perhaps take it easier.

In answer to your original question as I understand it you would not be eligible for the 80% salary scheme.