Financial help for employees self isolating

People who are self-isolating could be eligible for up to £500 if they are unable to work under the new support measures from the Government.

North Somerset Council will administer the Test and Trace support payments locally to people who are on low incomes and cannot work as a result of self-isolating.

The Government has published the NHS test and trace workplace guidance which states that it is vital that employers play their part by making their workplaces as safe as possible and encourage workers to heed notifications to self-isolate.

A failure to properly support those who self-isolate by failing to pay them during the 14 day period of isolation may deter workers from self-isolating, putting employers not only in breach of their statutory health and safety obligations and duty of care but also at risk of placing workers in serious and imminent danger.

The new support payment scheme started on Monday 28 September and will close Sunday 31 January 2021. Individuals can apply for the support payment from Monday 12 October.

If individuals live in North Somerset and have been told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, they will be entitled to a self-isolation payment if they satisfy all four of the following requirements:

• they comply with the notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate
• they are employed or self-employed
• they are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
• they are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
  • Universal Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit

Employees can complete a pre-registration form via the council’s website.

Cllr Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Business, Economy and Employment at North Somerset Council, said: “This money will be a lifeline for those people who are finding it difficult to self-isolate due to the financial impact that it has. We invite residents to register their details if they think they qualify for help under the Government’s scheme. We must follow the new rules which have been put in place, to avoid a severe fine but most importantly to save lives. If businesses are struggling, we’re here to help”.

Individuals must self-isolate if they test positive or are identified as a contact in the NHS Test and Trace system. There will also be tougher penalties for people caught breaking the rules from £1,000 up to a maximum of £10,000 for repeat offenders.