Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
Coronavirus government statutory sick pay – and how to apply for it
The government will meet the cost of coronavirus statutory sick pay (SSP) for small businesses with up to 250 employees for 14 days, providing over £2 billion for up to two million businesses.
SSP will now be available for eligible individuals diagnosed with coronavirus or those who are unable to work because they are self-isolating in line with government advice.
The weekly allowance for SSP will increase from £94.25 to £95.85 on 6 April.
>See also: Budget 2020 what it means for small business – analysis and live blog
This is in addition to the change announced by prime minister Boris Johnson that SSP will be payable from day one instead of day four for affected individuals.
People who are advised to self-isolate for coronavirus will soon be able to obtain an alternative to the fit note to cover this by contacting NHS 111, rather than visiting a doctor. This can be used by employees where their employers require evidence.
Coronavirus help for self-employed
For the self-employed not eligible for SSP, contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be payable, at a rate of £73.10 a week if you are