Firms hit by isolation rules can claim cash
POLICY & RESOURCES has agreed support for businesses in critical need, as a result of staff self-isolating.
Since 1 July, people fully vaccinated within the Common Travel Area have been able to travel freely into the island. Fully vaccinated islanders are unlikely to need to self-isolate if they are the contact of a positive case.
However, 35 people, who are likely not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, are currently in self-isolation after coming into contact with a positive case.
Local businesses, particularly small ones, have raised concerns about how a potential two-week self-isolation period for staff members might impact them.
Workers who are advised by Public Health that they need to self-isolate for four days or more, and who cannot work from home, can already make a claim for sickness benefit.
The maximum weekly rate is £168.07, but the benefit depends on contributions.
Workers directed to self-isolate can self-certify for up to 14 days.
Policy & Resources treasury lead Deputy Mark Helyar said that throughout the pandemic the committee had aimed to help businesses survive extraordinary times.
‘That’s still the case now for those sectors, which can still apply for the various support schemes, and if we’re going to use public funds responsibly, we need to take that same approach for businesses affected by a self-isolation requirement,’ he said.
‘So, where businesses find they’re in a critical situation, they should contact us and we will consider their claim.
'We want to reassure local businesses that we will continue to provide support where necessary.’
So far 76% of adults already have received two doses of vaccine with 18% having had one dose. By early August it is expected that all who choose to have both doses will have had the opportunity to do so.
There remains a possibility that a small business could find its staff are required to self-isolate and this could have a significant short-term impact on the business. If a business found itself in this situation and, as a result, things become critical, the committee would consider claims on a case-by-case basis.
