The statutory sick pay (SSP) rules have been amended to cover those self-isolating in advance of an operation. As of 26 August 2020, workers who have been notified by a registered medical practitioner that they are to undergo a surgical or other hospital procedure, and have been advised to self-isolate in advance, are eligible for statutory sick pay for the period of self-isolation up to 14 days.

This follows changes to the rules earlier this year which make statutory sick pay payable from day one of absence for workers who are self-isolating because:

• they or someone they live with has symptoms of COVID-19;
• someone in their household “bubble” has symptoms of COVID-19; or
• they have been notified by the NHS or public health authorities through the test and trace service that they have come into contact with someone with COVID-19.

Staff who are able to work from home while self-isolating in these circumstances would not be entitled to statutory sick pay but should be paid their normal wages.