If any of your PAs have been exposed to Covid-19 at their place of work (If you, a family member or another PA has displayed symptoms), this should be reported to RIDDOR at the Health and Safety Executive.

Below we have included guidance on how to manage Staff Absence in the current situation. If there is anything you are unsure about, or anything you would like to ask then please get in touch on 01698 250280 or email us at info@spaen.co.uk

If your PA is absent due to sickness– They are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the first day of absence (not the third) due to Government policy regarding Covid-19.

If your PA is absent because they are caring for someone with Covid-19– In this case, they are exposed to Covid-19 and will need to self-isolate as much as reasonably possible. They will also be entitled to SSP because of this.

If your PA IS NOT SICK but refuses to come to work because of infection risk– If there is no SIGNIFICANT RISK of infection at work then this is an unauthorised absence. They are not entitled to their usual pay or SSP and this is ground for potential disciplinary action.

If your PA is healthy but unable to make it to work due to lack of transport (for example, cancelled or reduced service for buses)– If the PA is unable to make it to work due to transport issues then this should be an AUTHORISED absence with no pay. We suggest you discuss the possibility of your PA using some of their Annual Leave in this situation.

If your PA is healthy but they are caring for/live with someone who is in a risk category for Covid-19– This is a authorised absence with SSP or you can agree to “furlough” the employee, they are paid 80% of their usual wage and you can reclaim this through HMRC. Make sure you are aware what conditions someone might have for them to be classed as ‘At Risk’. Guidance on this can be found HERE

If your PA is healthy but has been advised to self-isolate because they are in a risk category– his is a authorised absence with SSP or you can agree to “furlough” the employee, they are paid 80% of their usual wage and you can reclaim this through HMRC. Make sure you are aware what conditions someone might have for them to be classed as ‘At Risk’. Guidance on this can be found HERE. They also should have received a letter from Scottish Government advising them to self-isolate which they should be able to show you as evidence.

If my PA is healthy but I am self-isolating and don’t want them to come to work– We recommend you have a discussion with your PA about them using their Annual Leave during the time you are self-isolating. If you have stipulations in your PA’s contract covering suspension of work then please follow them.