There is much uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and how to deal with the situation. The following Q&As aim to help you with the most common questions.
(Please note, our membership team and legal team cannot provide health-related advice. Please follow the links in the post below for the latest official government and NHS advice.)
Please note: the government has ordered salons and barbershops to close with effect from 23 March 2020.
This blog post covers:
- What is coronavirus?
- What should I be doing in my salon/barbershop?
- My employee has returned from holiday – do they need to self-isolate?
- A member of my employee’s family has just returned from holiday – does my employee need to self-isolate?
- My employee has to stay at home and self-isolate – what pay are they entitled to?
- My employee has contracted the virus – what pay are they entitled to?
- My employee is not sick or self-isolating, but I have told them not to come into work anyway. What pay are they entitled to?
- Can my employees stay off work because they are afraid of catching the virus?
- Can the virus spread on packages or food?
- Checklist
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a virus that is causing the new illness COVID-19 which can affect lungs and airways. It was first reported in China in December 2019.
The symptoms are:
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
- A new, continuous cough (you are coughing repeatedly).
What should I be doing in my salon/barbershop?
Ensure all your staff contact numbers and emergency contact numbers are up to date.
For the latest advice on how to avoid catching or spreading germs, go to the NHS coronavirus ‘overview’ page.
My employee has returned from holiday – do they need to self-isolate?
If they are unwell or displaying symptoms such as a high temperature or continuous cough, they should self-isolate for seven days. Everyone else in their household should self-isolate for 14 days. See the government’s guidance.
A member of my employee’s family has just returned from holiday – does my employee need to self-isolate?
If the family member is unwell or displaying symptoms such as a high temperature or continuous cough, they should self-isolate for seven days. Everyone else in their household should self-isolate for 14 days. See the government’s guidance.
My employee has to stay at home and self-isolate – what pay are they entitled to?
Your employee will be entitled to any Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) due to them if they need to self-isolate because they:
- Have coronavirus.
- Have the symptoms.
- Live with someone who has coronavirus symptoms.
- Have been told to self-isolate by a doctor or NHS 111.
My employee has contracted the virus – what pay are they entitled to?
Your employee will be entitled to any Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) due to them.
My employee is not sick or self-isolating, but I have told them not to come into work anyway. What pay are they entitled to?
Always get legal advice before laying off staff. NHBF Members have access to a free 24/7 legal helpline.
Can my employees stay off work because they are afraid of catching the virus?
Always listen to their concerns and try to take steps that will make them feel more comfortable about coming into work.
If you have read all the government and NHS advice and consider the risk for your salon/barbershop's staff and clients to be low, any employees who wish to stay off work should book annual leave or take a period of unpaid leave if you are willing to offer this option.
Can the virus spread on letters, packages or food?
The NHS advice is that it's very unlikely that the coronavirus can be spread through things like packages or food.
Checklist
- Make sure staff emergency contact details are up to date.
- Follow the NHS advice on prevention.
- Keep up to date with official government guidelines.
- Understand who needs to self-isolate.
- Be clear about your pay and absence policies.