Self Isolation Support Update

The Government have introduced new measures to support those in self-isolation - specifically those on low income. New legislation will come into force on 28 September 2020, introducing a £500 support payment for those who cannot work from home (on lower incomes) and who's self isolation has caused financial detriment. Similarly, newly imposed fines will be issued for those breaching self-isolation rules in a bid to convey the seriousness of reducing infection.

The fines will start at £1,000 (similar to the penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel) but can range up to £10,000 for repeat offences or offences that prevent others from self-isolating. Note that this may affect business owners who threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not return to work.

Those in England who are in receipt of benefits will be eligible for the £500 support payment, which will be available to anyone who starts self isolating on or after September 28. The actual system, however, is not expected to be fully operational until two weeks later.

NHS Test and Trace call handlers will have the ability to raise any suspicion of non-compliance to local authorities, Police resources will be used to:

• check compliance in high-risk groups
• investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases of non-compliance
• responding to instances of refusal to self isolate for those who have tested positive

Applicants will need to present four pieces of evidence when they apply for the support payment:

• A notification from Test and Trace asking them to isolate, including a unique ID number
• A bank statement
• Proof of employment
• Confirmation from their employer that they are unable to work from home
• If they're self employed, evidence of self assessment returns will suffice

On a separate note, businesses in England under the following categories must now keep records of the working hours and contact details of their staff for 21 days for track and trace purposes:

Hospitality

• pubs and bars
• restaurants and cafés

Tourism and leisure

• hotels
• museums
• cinemas
• amusement arcades

Close contact services

• hairdressers,/barbershops
• tailors