People unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus can obtain an isolation note through a new online service
isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work.
As isolation notes can be obtained without contacting a doctor, this will reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and prevent people needing to leave their homes.
For the first seven days off work, employees can self-certify so they do not need any evidence for their employer. After that, employers may ask for evidence of sickness absence.
Where this is related to having symptoms of coronavirus or living with someone who has symptoms, the isolation note can be used to provide evidence of the advice to self-isolate.
People who need to claim universal credit or employment and support allowance because of coronavirus will not be required to produce a fit note or an isolation note.
The notes can be accessed through the NHS website and NHS111 online. After answering a few questions, an isolation note will be emailed to the user.
If they do not have an email address, they can have the note sent to a trusted family member or friend, or directly to their employer. The service can also be used to generate an isolation note on behalf of someone else.
Matt Hancock, health and social care secretary, said: ‘Digital isolation notes will provide reassurance to those self-isolating and their employers while also reducing the pressure on our NHS, so they can continue doing all they can to protect the people of this country and save lives.’
