Regulations deeming people who are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus to be incapable of work for SSP purposes come into force today

Emergency legislation introduced to reduce the risk that employees will continue to work despite advice that they should self-isolate

The government has published regulations in relation to deeming people who are self-isolating as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be incapable of work for statutory sick pay (SSP) purposes.

In force from 13 March 2020, the Statutory Sick Pay (General) (Coronavirus Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI.No.287/2020) amend the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982 so as to provide that a person who is isolating themselves from others, in accordance with advice provided by Public Health England, NHS National Services Scotland or Public Health Wales relating to coronavirus, is deemed to be incapable of work.

The explanatory memorandum to the emergency legislation explains that -

'The regulations have been prepared as soon as it became clear that there was a need for the measures they contain. The measures are required as a matter of urgency as part of the government response to a developing outbreak, in order to reduce the risk that employees will continue to work despite advice that they should self-isolate. These regulations will therefore come into force the day after they are laid, meaning that the usual period of 21 days between laying and coming into force will not apply.'

SI.No.287/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk