Statutory Sick Pay: New Rules To Support Vaccine Booster Programme
The Government has temporarily changed reporting guidance for sick leave and has introduced The Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 2021 which came into force on Friday 17 December 2021. These extend the period that employees can self-certify they are sick. The usual seven-day period has currently been extended to 28 days.
The changes are a direct result of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic and dramatic spread of the Omicron variant. It will free up GPs who can then participate in the booster vaccine programme.
In essence it means an extension of the length of time staff can self-certify without providing medical evidence (GP issued fit note) from seven days to 28 days.
Therefore from 26th Jan 2022 GPs will not be required to provide a fit note for the first 28 days of absence. However, any period of sickness absence extending beyond 28 days (including non-working days) will require a fit note.
If staff are unable to attend work as a result of having to self-isolate because of Covid-19 they should obtain an “Isolation note” from NHS 111.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.