We have received a few concerned phone calls from employers who have employees returning from abroad. The current Government regulations require anyone coming into the country to self-isolate for 14 days. As an employer you are obliged to let your employee do this before allowing them return to the workplace. The question is are you, the employer, obliged to pay for this 14 days of self-isolation?
The answer is no – you are not obliged.
We would recommend however that you inform your staff that if they are returning from abroad that they are obliged to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to work. You should make it clear that the company will not be paying for this 14 days and as such they may not be entitled to Covid-19 unemployment payment as they do in fact have a job.
As an employer you should seek a copy of the return flight details for the employee to ensure that they have been back in the country for 14 days before starting in the workplace.
If we can help you with any of the above please don’t hesitate to contact us directly on 018774608 or [email protected].
Stay safe and wash your hands!