Further update: Covid-19 sickness absence

Further to last week’s NTK publication, informing you of the government‘s decision to withdraw the terms and conditions section of the covid-19 workforce guidance, from 7 July 2022, we have another update for you.

The withdrawal of the guidance will see a return to normal contractual arrangements and includes the removal of:

COVID-19 sick pay (full pay) for COVID-19 related sickness absences; and
COVID-19 management stand down (full pay) for self-isolation

Also from 7 July 2022, new episodes of COVID-19 sickness absence will be paid in line with the staff’s normal contractual terms and conditions of service.

Staff who are currently on COVID-19 sickness absence, or COVID-19 management standdown prior to the 7 July 2022, regardless of length, will be contacted by their line managers to have individual conversations, and from 4 August 2022 will be provided with four weeks’ notice of return to their normal contractual sick pay arrangements, as set out in their terms and conditions of service, from 1 September 2022.

From the 7 July 2022 – COVID-19 Infection control:

Where the Trust requires a member of staff who is either, (a) asymptomatic or (b) symptomatic but clinically well enough to work, to stay away from their workplace, staff should receive the pay they would receive if they were at work. This is regardless of whether staff can work from home, including on altered duties or not, during this period.

The appropriate action cards will be available on EAST 24 from w/c 18 July 2022.

For further information, including FAQs, please refer to COVID-19: NHS Staff Council joint guidance | NHS Employers