The government has launched a new online “isolation notes” service. The notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and cannot work, either because they have symptoms themselves or because they live with someone who has symptoms.
Employees can self-certify for the first seven days of sickness absence. After this time, employers can insist on a statement of fitness to work from an employee’s GP (a fit note). An isolation note will now be satisfactory evidence of inability to work, where an employee is self-isolating.
The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in the introduction of social distancing measures and put pressure on GP surgeries. The new online isolation notes service will enable employees to obtain a note without contacting their doctor or leaving their home, where their absence is due to self-isolating as a result of having symptoms of COVID-19 themselves or living with someone who has symptoms.
The notes can be obtained through the NHS website, NHS 111 online or the NHS App. After answering a number of questions, an isolation note will be emailed to the individual user of the service. If the individual does not have an email address, they can have the note sent to a family member or friend. Alternatively, the isolation note can be sent directly to the individual’s employer. The service can also be used to generate an isolation note on behalf of someone else.
Here at Fisher Jones Greenwood, we are able to advice on Employment Law issues that may arise due to COVID-19. To speak to the FJG’s quick response team, call 01206 700113 for initial telephone advice free of charge or email [email protected].