From midnight on 28 September 2020 it became a criminal offense to leave self-isolation. Employees are now legally obliged to inform their employer if they have to self-isolate.
Employers would also commit a criminal offense is that knowingly permitted a worker (including agency workers) to attend any place other than where the individual is self-isolating. Therefore is a worker has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone in their households has tested positive for COVID-19 or they have been told by NHS Track and Trace to self-isolate then they must self-isolate and employers cannot require otherwise. The starting fine is £1,000
Employees who have to self-isolate but who can work from home, can be required to work from home and should receive their normal wages for doing so.
Employees who have to self-isolate and who cannot work from home, may be entitled to SSP. SSP is payable to the following categories of self-isolators:
Someone who is self-isolating because they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
Someone who is self-isolating because they are living with someone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
Someone who has developed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst already self-isolating due to a household member having symptoms
Someone who has been advised through NHS track and trace to self-isolate
Someone who themselves has tested positive for COVID-19
Someone who is living with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
Someone who has been advised to self-isolate prior to a hospital admission for surgery or other procedure.
Someone who has been officially advised to shield
