Extension of entitlement to statutory sick pay in Northern Ireland to those who are ‘shielding’ as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

New statutory rule

New regulations have been issued in Northern Ireland in relation to entitlement to statutory sick pay for those who are 'shielding' as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

In force from 16 April 2020, the Statutory Sick Pay (General) (Coronavirus Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.66/2020) amend the Schedule to the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982, that sets out those who are deemed to be incapable of work by reason of coronavirus, to also include a person who -

• is defined in public health guidance as extremely vulnerable and at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus because of an underlying health condition; and
• has been advised, by notification sent to, or in respect of, that person in accordance with that guidance, to follow rigorously shielding measures for the period specified in the notification.

NB - the guidance referred to is that issued by the Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well Being.

SR.No.66/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk