COVID-19 Update 13.03.2020

13 Mar COVID-19 Update 13.03.2020

Dear all staff,

As a provider of staff into schools under the National Procurement Service framework for Temporary Workers and Supply Teachers, we would like to draw to your attention the latest NHS Wales information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from which can be found on the following link. This is a live page that will be updated regularly as matters progress.

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

On the page, there is also specific guidance available in relation to the education setting which can be found at

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/guidance-for-schools-advice-for-parents-or-carers/

At the time of writing there have been no school closures as a result of COVID-19 but we will continue to communicate with all supply staff registered with Recruit2Schools should anything change.

Do I get paid if my assignment is ended by a school if they close due to Coronavirus?

The terms set out in your contract for services will mean that you are not under an obligation to do work and similarly, there is no obligation for Recruit2Schools to provide work to your agency workers. We understand the worry that this will cause and will assist in any way that we can to help you to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Universal Credit or Contributory Employment and Support Allowance:

If I am not unwell but have chosen to self-isolate, am I entitled to sick pay?

Statutory Sick Pay

You may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you meet all of the qualifying criteria for it.

At the moment, SSP applies if an supply staff member is actually sick and unable to work (due to illness or injury) but the current regulations also extend SSP to someone who is not unwell if they are abstaining from work.

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will now be available for eligible individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or those who are unable to work because they are self-isolating in line with Government advice. This is in addition to the change announced by the Prime Minister that SSP will be payable from day 1 instead of day 4 for affected individuals.
• People who are advised to self-isolate for COVID-19 will soon be able to obtain an alternative to the fit note to cover this by contacting NHS 111, rather than visiting a doctor. This can be used by employees where their employers require evidence. Further details will be confirmed shortly.

Those who are not eligible for SSP, for example the self-employed or people earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week, can now more easily make a claim for Universal Credit or Contributory Employment and Support Allowance:

• For the duration of the outbreak, the requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will be temporarily relaxed for those who have COVID-19 or are self-isolating according to government advice, ensuring self-employed claimants will receive support.
• People will be able to claim Universal Credit and access advance payments upfront without the current requirement to attend a jobcentre if they are advised to self isolate.
• Contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be payable, at a rate of £73.10 a week if you are over 25, for eligible people affected by COVID-19 or self isolating in line with advice from Day 1 of sickness, rather than Day 8.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or queries. This is an extremely worrying time for everyone and we will continue to communicate and support you, as best we can.