Yesterday (Monday 23rd March 2020), Boris Johnson announced further measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and deal with the national emergency. We are in effect on ‘lock down’. We must all adhere to the measures. Where staff can work from home they must do so; unnecessary travel and contact should be stopped. Travel should be kept to a minimal and only be made where absolutely necessary.
As the number of affected people increases; the government have revised the process to seek advice and obtain the isolation notes. The online coronavirus isolation note service has now been launched. The service enables employees to obtain evidence that they need to stay at home because of the NHS 111 coronavirus advice. This is replaces the need to obtain a fit note from their GP. The service is available here.
Isolation Note Form
As per the usual absence reporting process; employees can self-certify for the first seven calendar days of their absence; no evidence is needed for the absence during this time. From day 8; in coronavirus cases, employers may ask employees to submit an isolation note form. Employees do not have to provide the evidence however they may obtain the isolation note via the service. The isolation note can be downloaded and emailed for reference.
The Coronavirus isolation notes are available for those who:
- Displaying symptoms and have used the NHS 111 online coronavirus service, or
- Have been told by a health professional that they are displaying symptoms, or
- Live with someone who is displaying symptoms.
Where an employee is displaying symptoms and can continue working from home as normal; does not need an isolation note. They must however follow the health professional advice and monitor their situation carefully.
Please note the details above are correct as at 24th March. For further information please call the employment advice line on 0333 240 7208 or contact us here.
