Key Worker asked to Self Isolate (Furlough)

MattMc89

Hi, My partner is a key worker who works in a care home for the elderly and end of life, She has been given advice from the Doctors today to Self Isolate as she has Asthma and so does our son, She has messaged her Manager in regards to this and has been advised that she will only receive SSP and will not receive furlough pay as the business is still currently running, Just wondering if anyone has any advice on the matter?

Thanks.

JGB1955

I'm not sure she even qualifies for SSP - after all, she's not sick.  But guess someone may have a better answer...

JessicaF_2

The term self-isolate has a very specific meaning in terms of SSP legislation, so she won't qualify for sick pay unless the GP is willing to give her a fit note under the usual sick pay provisions. Martin Lewis claims that the furlough scheme will cover people in this situation who can't work even if the employer is still running their business - but the employer must agree to it. 

jackieblack

“ If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19: From 13 March, you can now claim SSP. This includes individuals who are caring for people self-isolating in the same household and therefore have been advised to do a household quarantine. To check your sick pay entitlement, you should talk to your employer, and visit https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay for more information.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19

JessicaF_2

jackieblack said:

“ If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19: From 13 March, you can now claim SSP. This includes individuals who are caring for people self-isolating in the same household and therefore have been advised to do a household quarantine. To check your sick pay entitlement, you should talk to your employer, and visit https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay for more information.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19

Yes, people caring for people self-isolating are also covered under the definition of self-isolating in the new Sick Pay amendment regulations because they too have to stay at home if someone in the household has symptoms. That is not the OP's position though. 

unforeseen

Asthma unless very serious is not an isolating illness so is not covered by SSP. She will not be able to get a 111 fit note as she does not have symptoms or somebody in the house with symptoms
The act is quite specific on who the advice to self isolate should come from to qualify for SSP if no symptoms

(c)he is—

(i)isolating himself from other people in such a manner as to prevent infection or contamination with coronavirus disease, in accordance with guidance published by Public Health England, NHS National Services Scotland(2) or Public Health Wales(3) and effective on 12th March 2020; and

(ii)by reason of that isolation is unable to work.”

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/287/regulation/2/made
Your doctor is not PHE or equivalent

jackieblack

JessicaF_2 said:

jackieblack said:

“ If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19: From 13 March, you can now claim SSP. This includes individuals who are caring for people self-isolating in the same household and therefore have been advised to do a household quarantine. To check your sick pay entitlement, you should talk to your employer, and visit https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay for more information.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19

Yes, people caring for people self-isolating are also covered under the definition of self-isolating in the new Sick Pay amendment regulations because they too have to stay at home if someone in the household has symptoms. That is not the OP's position though. 

Exactly - OP should check the official information.
Maybe also query exactly what the ‘doctors’ (did they speak directly to their GP or was this a message passed on via, for example, a receptionist/admin staff?) said, as it would seem that either the ‘doctors’ have given advice that is not in accordance with govt guidance (not the first time I’ve heard of this happening) or OP’s partner has misunderstood/ misinterpreted what the ‘doctors’ said.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about social distancing (for everyone, but particularly stringent for some, including those who are vulnerable due to certain health conditions) and self isolation (for those with/ who may have symptoms and those living in the same household)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Furlough is something different again
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees#furloughed-workers