We have had a lot of calls from employers trying to deal with employees who have been told to self-isolate and/or have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

If an employee has been told to self-isolate due to being in close contact with a diagnosed COVID-19 they will have been sent a letter or HSE text message. When the employee contacts you to advise you of their situation they can be asked for a copy of this letter or text message. This will confirm what the matter (self-isolation vs diagnosis) is and should be used only to work out what you, as the employer, need to do.

  1. Has the employee been in the workplace since being in contact with the virus?
  2. What additional cleaning measures might need to be taken to effectively clean their workspace?
  3. How are you going to accommodate their absence?
  4. Can they work from home?
  5. If they can’t, can you pay them sick pay? If not are you able to direct them to information on the COVID-19 illness benefit?

If you as a business can not currently afford to pay sick pay then it is reassuring to know that the COVID-19 enhanced illness benefit will remain in place until the end of March 2021.

To get the payment, the employee must have a medical certificate called a ‘Certificate of incapacity for work’ from their own doctor or have a letter or text notification from the HSE. Again, the employee should be able to provide you, the employer, with a copy of this certificate. This certificate means that you will see when the employee is able to return to work safely. They should not be allowed return to work until that date is passed.

Ideally, there should be open communication between you and your employee. However, if you have any issues please contact us at [email protected] or 01 8774608.

Stay safe!