Under Corvid -19 there appears to be some confusion over who should be working – especially after questions in parliament over construction workers.

The answer is that the government is encouraging everyone to try to work to keep the economy afloat, from home if at all possible

However, there are reasons why some people should not or may not be working: –

1. If you are showing symptoms, then you should take time off sick for 7 days
2. If anyone in your household is showing symptoms, then you should take time off sick for 14 days
3. Certain businesses have been told to close their doors to stop social gathering e.g. Pubs, restaurants, shops. Some are finding alternative ways to trade or deploy their workers e.g. deliveries, but others will just not have work to give to their employees.
4. Certain people with vulnerable health conditions have been told to stay at home for 12 weeks so will not be able to go out to work.
5. Schools, etc. have been told to close. There is a strict list of key workers whose kids may attend school.  But this means a lot of people may not be able to work because they have to look after their kids.
6. Finally, it is an employer’s responsibility to make sure that their workers are safe and currently that means working 2 meters apart. If this cannot be achieved then they too may have to change how they work, or close.  Construction workers fall into this category.

So, what happens if you are not able to do your usual job?

If you are off sick, either due to your own symptoms of those of a household member, then you are entitled to sick pay from day 1 – either via your employer (to be reimbursed by the government) or via universal credits.

If the business is unable to employ you, then instead of laying you off they may be able to make you a furloughed employee and hence pay you 80% of your usual wages, initially for 3 months but maybe for the duration.

Many business and local authorities are recruiting for new positions, especially delivery drivers.  This maybe a key worker position so could mean you are entitled to childcare, and you can get paid.

If businesses have people off sick or who can-not work due to looking after children then they may need temporary staff or subcontractors.  The off payroll working rules for subcontractors in the public sector were postponed for a year so do make use of these opportunities.

Government Aid and Benefits

The government has arranged various measures to assist at this time.

Local authorities have been given funds to assist the vulnerable economically.

12 months business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England

Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief

Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

Evictions are to be suspended for 3 months

3 months Mortgage holiday for homeowners in financial difficulties, and landlords of tenants in financial difficulties.

Relaxation of rules for Universal credit and housing benefit claims

More aid for the self-employed has been promised.

These are changing times for all, so make sure you change too.