To go on SSP? Unpaid? Covid19 at work....

Lisa090982

Posting for a friend of mine as she does not want to be identified (in case any of her work colleagues are on here). She works in a residential care home and she has just taken a couple of weeks off work self isolating as her little boy who's just turned one is prone to viral chest infections and has had bronchiolitis. 

She's supposed to be going back to work but she's had word from colleagues that there have been some deaths at work and there are confirmed covid19 cases in work so she does not want to go back to work for the time being - she is a single parent and there is noone else to care for her little one.

She is already in receipt of universal credit but is just wondering what her best option might be. I don't think they are looking to furlough anyone..... 

Might the best option be to get a sick note?

Mrsn

I’m not sure she’ll be able to get a sick note for these circumstances, there’s nothing they’d be able to write for the reason of signing her off.

She would probably have to apply for unpaid leave, the drop in income will mean her universal credit will increase. She can also speak to her local council in regards to council tax reductions if eligible.

sheramber

There are no sick  notes at present.  Anyone with symptoms or living with someone with  symptoms can get an isolation note online. Unless she has been told her son in on the   vulnerable list then she is choosing to isolate.
She needs to speak to her employer about using holidays or unpaid leave or she could be dismissed for non attendance.