Time off Coronavirus Payment

[SJH101]

Hi

So around 2/3 weeks into the pandemic I took the decision to self isolate for a week, for myself as I had a temp and a slight cough. I went back into work after that. On Sunday, my wife had a high temp and felt very unwell so she went and had a test to see if she had coronavirus. Until the results came back to confirm anything my understanding was that I had to isolate until results came back to confirm whether she had it or not. Therefore, i didn't go into work on Monday explaining the reasons why.

The results came back Monday night as negative so I was able to attend work on Tuesday. I have since found out that I won't be paid for this as I have already had a week isolation and they only provide this once. I would therefore have to take it as unpaid or work my day off. Surely this cannot be right?? I was following government guidelines after all.

What would happen if her results came back as positive? would I not get paid for 14 days as I've already had one week off myself? They are now saying they can pay at as annual leave which again does not seem right.

I get why they have this in place i suppose, as it would give the green light for people to just keep taking time off and taking advantage of the situation, but is this really the case with Royal Mail? Am i being told the right thing and that they shouldn't have to pay me even though i've followed government guidelines? I just feel its a bit unfair, and who is to say I won't get another high temp and a cough in the meantime. Am i supposed to go in and potentially pass the germs on in order to get paid, or take time off and isolate again and not get paid as normal?

If someone could clarify this for me I would be grateful.

Thanks

[SJH101]

So in summary, are Royal Mail obliged to pay out even though its a second period of isolation? Am I being told the right thing? ......Everyone (non Royal mail, friends, family etc) I speak to says they should pay me as like the previous time. Does anyone know what the protocol is with this situation?

Thanks

[clashcityrocker]

As far as I can see the only abatement is for self isolating on no pay.
If you were being paid while you were off then there is no deduction.

Then again the whole thing is poorly worded and clouded in confusion so who knows?
Don't Royal Mail have a coronavirus hotline you can call?

[Woody Guthrie]

So in summary, are Royal Mail obliged to pay out even though its a second period of isolation? Am I being told the right thing? ......Everyone (non Royal mail, friends, family etc) I speak to says they should pay me as like the previous time. Does anyone know what the protocol is with this situation?

Thanks

All coronavirus related sick absence is with pay as long as you provide an isolation note.

The Statutory Sick Pay Regulations state that, where the Government determines that there is a significant public health risk and employees stay away from work when they have been requested or required to do so by a health professional in a written notice because they may be infectious or have been in contact with someone who is, then they will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.

So legally at the very least you would be entitled to SSP and cannot be forced to take unpaid leave, as our contractual sick pay closely follows the rules on SSP and there is no mention of any abatement for a second or multiple periods of self isolation then it follows that any sick absence should be paid where eligible.

Ask to see the policy guidelines that your manager is apparently using, call HR and ask for clarification, contact the union and for good measure contact coronavirus.advice@royalmail.com

[Decky Boy]

SSP is usually only paid from day 4 of a period of sick absence, the first 3 days are known as " waiting days" and attract no payment whatsoever.

I agree, you've followed government advice and things don't look fair... I learnt long ago that life often isn't fair...accept that this is the case...and that you've done the right thing ?

[Woody Guthrie]

SSP is usually only paid from day 4 of a period of sick absence, the first 3 days are known as " waiting days" and attract no payment whatsoever.

I agree, you've followed government advice and things don't look fair... I learnt long ago that life often isn't fair...accept that this is the case...and that you've done the right thing ?

The rules of SSP have been changed due to the Coronavirus. SSP is now paid from day 1 of self-isolation.

[Decky Boy]

Gov. UK website states the following :

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you cannot get sick pay from your employer, you could get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for every day you’re in isolation. You must self isolate for at least 4 days to be eligible.

[POSTMAN]

I contacted them SJH101 did as well, here is their response, I will make a stickie for it.

I’ve already answered this question directly to the individual as they sent exactly the same message to us.

In short, the answer is yes. Provided that individuals are acting in line with the UK Government guidance and return to work as soon as is medically advisable, they may receive sick pay for more than one period of self-isolation.

Kind Regards,

James. CV Helpline

James is my new BFF along with my Vicky.

[Decky Boy]

Thanks for clarifying...and might I ask what BFF stands for ?

[P13]

Thanks for clarifying...and might I ask what BFF stands for ?

Best Friend Forever