Employees can now self-certify sickness for up to 28 days

• Government have announced that self-certification for sickness absence has been temporarily extended in light of the Covid-19 booster jab rollout.
• The Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 2021 set out that employers cannot require employees to provide a sick note from a doctor until the absence has lasted 28 days or longer, with the usual requirement being after 7 days of absence.
• Whilst employers cannot insist on sick notes for non Covid related absences until 28 days is reached, employers can still request that employees provide proof of positive tests for absences that are Covid-19 related.
• Employers should remain aware that this is not a permanent change. From 27 January 2022 employees will be required to provide a sick note after 7 days absence once again.

Aspire comment:

Whilst the new regulations will be useful for those employees who are struggling to obtain sick notes due to GPs being overrun, the 28 day period may seem excessive to employers who could potentially have an increased number of staff off sick, being paid Statutory Sick Pay, with no way of validating their absence.

If you require any further advice or guidance about how to manage your sickness absence process or any other employment guidance, please get in touch with one of our advisors on 0121 445 6178 or email enquire@aspirepartnership.co.uk.