- they have coronavirus (COVID-19)
- they have coronavirus symptoms, for example a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste
- someone in their household has coronavirus symptoms
- they've been advised to stay at home by their doctor because of an underlying health condition
- they've been told to self-isolate by a doctor or NHS 111
- they've been told to self-isolate by a government 'test and trace' service, because they've been in close contact with someone who tested positive ('NHS Test and Trace' in England, 'Test and Protect' in Scotland or 'Test, trace, protect' in Wales)
To be eligible for SSP, employees and workers must be off work for at least 4 days in a row. This includes non-working days.
Some employers can claim back up to 2 weeks' SSP they've paid to anyone because of coronavirus. Find out more about claiming back SSP due to coronavirus on GOV.UK.
Employers might offer more than SSP – 'contractual' sick pay. Find out more about sick pay.
If an employee or worker cannot work, they should tell their employer:
- as soon as possible
- the reason
- how long they're likely to be off for
See www.ACAS.org.uk for more information.
