As we enter a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, how will the ‘Test and Trace’ programme impact on employers and their obligations to pay sick pay?

We already know that statutory sick pay (SSP) is normally payable to employees who are incapable of work because they are required to self-isolate for reasons relating to COVID-19.  Well, fresh regulations have now been introduced to expressly extend SSP entitlement to cover those people who are required to self-isolate for 14 days under the new, ‘Test and Trace', scheme as well.  These new regulations provide welcome clarity on this point.

Of course, it’s important to remember that the weekly SSP rate is very low by most people’s standards (currently £95.85). So employers will still need to consider whether they would want to (or are contractually obliged to) top this up to a higher level of pay.

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