// News: Covid-19
Coronavirus – what you’re entitled to and how to claim ❖ To help protect our NHS and save lives during this pandemic the UK has been placed on a virtual lockdown. Controversially, some construction sites have remained open to much public opposition, although the majority have downed tools and closed their gates. Now many workers and their families are increasingly concerned about where their income is going to come from over the coming weeks and possibly months. With help from The Money Advice Service, we have put together an easily digestible list of information and resources to help you and your family to financially survive the coronavirus crisis. HEALTH OVER WEALTH
First and foremost the health of you and your family should be your number one priority right now. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus such as a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath, it is important you follow the NHS guidelines to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus. If you have a persistent cough, fever or flu-like symptoms you and your family members must self-isolate for fourteen days. You must also isolate yourself from your family as much as possible. IF YOU’RE EMPLOYED
The government has announced it will pay your wages through the coronavirus job retention scheme if the business you work for is forced to temporarily close because of coronavirus. The scheme is available to anyone who is PAYE. Your employer will need to contact HMRC to apply. In order for you to qualify, your employer will have to re-assign your employment status as a ‘furloughed worker’.
16 | SCAFFMAG.COM
The scheme will pay 80 percent of retained workers’ salaries, up to £2,500 a month, but your employer can top up your salary to more than this if they choose to. Wages under the scheme will be backdated to 1st March and the scheme will be open for at least three months. There is no limit on the amount of funding, and the government will pay grants to support as many jobs as necessary. The first of the grants are hoped to be paid before the end of April so it could take a few weeks to get your money. BUT I HAVE ALREADY BEEN LAID OFF!
If your boss has already informed you that your job is gone, you should contact them to see if they are now willing to take you back and reassign you as a furloughed worker. If you have already received a redundancy payment but your employer is now able to take you back, speak to your employer or the ACAS helpline for advice on what to do. I AM NOT RISKING IT, I DON’T WANT TO WORK BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS
If you don’t want to travel or go into work because you’re worried about catching coronavirus, unfortunately, you’re between a rock and a hard place as your rights are more limited. Your boss is required to listen to your concerns and try and find a way to work around them. You may also be able to take the time off as holiday or unpaid leave. WHAT ABOUT SICK PAY?
Your rights to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) depend on your employment status and earnings. If you earn at least £118 a week (£120
from 6 April 2020), you will be able to claim £94.25 per week (£95.85 from 6 April 2020) for up to 28 weeks. The government has announced SSP will be paid from the first day you are off sick if it is related to coronavirus. SSP covers you both if you’re ill and if you need to self isolate because you have been in direct contact with the virus. You will still need to provide a sick note or fit note but you no longer have to go to a doctor to receive one, you can apply for a sick note or fit note by calling NHS 111. Some employers have more generous contractual sick pay schemes. It is worth checking your contract, staff handbook or with your employer. The government has said that it will bear the costs of SSP for smaller employers, so claiming it should not be a problem. If you do have a problem, contact the HM Revenue and Customs statutory payment dispute team on 03000 560 630. If you’re employed but your earnings are too low to claim SSP - you earn less than £118 a week - you may be able to claim Universal Credit. You can do this online. Don’t delay making a claim for benefits, even if you think you might have been affected by coronavirus. However, if you are already getting benefits being replaced by Universal Credit, including housing benefit, tax credits, income support or employment and support allowance, and need to make a claim because of coronavirus, check with the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service as soon as possible to find out how they might be affected and to get advice about your situation. If you’re in Scotland, visit the Citizens Advice Scotland website.
