The firms cutting Covid sick pay for staff who are unvaccinated

Next has cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19 (Photo: Shutterstock)

Several firms have announced cuts to sick pay for unvaccinated staff forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has Covid-19.

The changes come after the UK government confirmed on Thursday (13 January) that the self-isolation period in England is being reduced to five full days.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that “around two-thirds of positive cases are no longer infectious by the end of day five”.

Under the move, people will now be able to take a lateral flow test on day five and six, and can leave isolation if they get two negative results.

This change will take effect in England from Monday (17 January).

The rules for contacts of people with Covid-19 have not changed. This means that fully vaccinated individuals who are identified as a contact should continue to take daily rapid lateral flow tests for seven days, but are not legally required to self-isolate.

Unvaccinated contacts are still legally required to self-isolate for the full 10-day period.

But which firms have changed rules on sick pay if staff are required to self-isolate after being in contact with someone who has Covid-19? Here’s the latest announcements you need to know.

High street retailer Next has cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are self-isolating after being in contact with someone with Covid-19.

Unvaccinated staff who are identified as a close contact of someone with the virus will only receive statutory sick pay unless there are mitigating circumstances.

The fashion chain confirmed that all employees who test positive for coronavirus, regardless of whether they are vaccinated, will be paid in full.

The policy comes after employees witnessed a jump in absences over recent weeks due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Next currently pays store sales staff and stock assistants between £6.55 and £9.21 per hour and warehouse operatives between £9.30 and £11.26 per hour.

However, unvaccinated staff who have not tested positive but are self-isolating could receive as little as £96.35 per week, the national minimum for statutory sick pay.

Ikea

IKea confirmed on Monday (10 January) that it is cutting sick pay for unvaccinated members of staff who are forced to self-isolate after being identified as a contact of someone with Covid-19.

Those who are not vaccinated due to mitigating circumstances, such as pregnancy or other medical reasons, will still receive full pay if they are off work for Covid-related reasons.

Any employees who test positive for coronavirus will still get full sick pay.