This may be a really worrying time for you financially. It might be that you can’t work, or that you have had to reduce your hours, due to increased caring responsibilities.
I can’t work due to my caring responsibilities
As a carer, you have the statutory right to request flexible working. Check with your employer how they can support you with this via their organisation policies (such as a Flexible Working Policy, or a Carers Policy), or by speaking to your manager to understand what options are available to you. You also have a statutory right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off from work to see to an emergency or unforeseen matter involving your partner, child, parent, grandchild, or someone who relies on you for care. There is no fixed amount of time you can take off. The time off is unpaid unless your employer is willing to give paid time off as a contractual right. Also check your work policy on care leave. ACAS has further useful information on taking time off to look after someone else.
I’ve been told I need to self- isolate
If you have been advised to 'self-isolate' by NHS 111 or a medical professional, because you or someone in your household has Covid-19, you must tell your employer as soon as possible. This does not need to be in writing. Your workplace’s usual sick leave and pay entitlements will apply. You should check your contract of employment to see if your employer offers contractual sick pay on top.
If you do not qualify for sick leave through your employer, the government has promised that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be given from day one of self-isolation. See further details here.
I’ve been asked to certify my absence
By law, for the first seven days of sickness, you are not required to provide medical evidence to your employer. However after seven days, it is at the discretion of your employer to decide what evidence, if any, they need from you. Due to the unusual nature of the situation, the government has strongly advised that employers use their discretion. You can self-certify your absence to prove your sickness by creating an isolation note here, which replaces the usual need to provide a ‘fit/sick note’ after seven days of sickness absence. Workers who are not eligible for SSP may be eligible to apply for support through the new-style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and/or Universal Credit.
I need to give up work to provide care
If you need to take time off from your paid employment or stop working all together the government is making regular changes to benefits to help people who are struggling.