Government launches online ‘isolation note’ for employees to provide evidence that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

However, government confirms that people who need to claim universal credit or employment and support allowance due to coronavirus will not be required to produce a fit note or isolation note

The government has launched an online 'isolation note' for employees to provide evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to the coronavirus.

Launching the online note today, the government advises that -

'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 don’t 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.'

NB - the government confirms that 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.

In addition, the government advises that the note can be accessed through the NHS website and NHS 111 online, and that -

'After answering a few questions, an isolation note will be emailed to the user. If they don’t 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.'

For more information, see Online isolation notes launched - providing proof of coronavirus absence from work from gov.uk