There is always a bright side, even when a pandemic challenges us. In order to tackle the spread of coronavirus, a massive financial support for all workers within the UK has been announced by the government. It is important to know that you will never walk alone in the UK during these times and Opal Transfer is here to help and keep you well-informed. Here is some very important information that all of you, employees, self-employed, agency workers and employers could use during coronavirus outbreak, if you need help:
1. You can get support if you currently work in the UK and have symptoms of coronavirus
All people that have symptoms of coronavirus are encouraged to self-isolate at home. If you are an employee, work as a temporary staff for an agency, on a zero hours or occasional contract, the first thing you should do is to check with your employer your rights to sick leave. Most likely, you will get at least the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which is the minimum amount employers must pay. It’s a good idea to check your workplace’s policy to see if your workplace pays more than the SSP.
The SSP is £94,25 per week, starting from the first day of self-isolation. From April, this pay will raise to £95,85 per week. Some employers may contribute with an additional amount (Contractual Sick Pay) to this minimum pay.
2. The self-employed can benefit from sick leave for coronavirus
If you work independently, as self-employed or you earn under the weekly minimum wage of £118 and you need to self-isolate because of coronavirus symptoms, you will also be able to get the amount which is equivalent to the Statutory Sick Pay (£94,25 per week, starting from the first day of self-isolation; from April, the SSP pay will raise to £95,85 per week). This announcement has been recently made by the British government, that has facilitated the access of the self-employed to the social benefits (the Universal Credit).
You can apply online to the Universal Credit, by accessing this page or calling Job Centre Plus on 0800 328 5644. You will need to mention that you have to self-isolate because of coronavirus symptoms.
3. You can get financial help as a self-employed
According to the latest government announcements, if you are self-employed (e.g.: cleaner, plumber, electrician, hairdresser, etc.) you will be able to apply for a grant worth 80% of your average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 a month.
The self-employed workers that are not able to pay their taxes because of the impact of coronavirus on their activity can delay their tax payments. In this case, you can delay your next tax payment, scheduled for 31 July 2020, until January 2021. The self-employed and the companies that encounter financial problems because of coronavirus can request support from HMRC, Time to pay service, calling the special COVID19 line on 0800 0159 559.
4. You should be paid even if your company’s activity is temporary closed
If you are employed at a company that has suspended its activity because of coronavirus, you should still get your salary. The government will cover 80% of your wage if your employer closes activity due to the pandemic. Your employer can avoid workers’ redundancy if they apply for a grant from HMRC. They can also contribute to your salary, on the top of the 80% governmental support.
5. Workers made redundant because of coronavirus can ask for financial support
If your employer suspends activity because of coronavirus and you get fired, you can ask for financial help at the Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. The government has increased the funds for social benefits, rent payments included. You can also check here if you have the right to redundancy payment.
6. You can get help with your renting costs
If you cannot pay your rent because of coronavirus, you should apply to the Universal Credit, that has a special service dedicated to renting costs. The government has announced a ban on evictions for tenants affected by coronavirus. This means that your landlord cannot start court action against you for at least 3 months. If you’re struggling to pay rent you can check if you can get extra help. Remember that you can always ask for advice from your nearest Citizen Advice Bureau.
7. You can ask for help if your employer does not pay you for work
If your employer does not pay for your work, you can contact Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in the UK. This institution can help you to resolve workplace disputes with your employer.
Opal Tip: Please be aware of online scammers about coronavirus, who take profit of the current context. Make sure that you do not:
Need help & advice? Opal Transfer lines are open in your language, as usual. We can help you with quick and safe online money transfers and we can offer the advice needed to stay well-informed during the coronavirus outbreak.
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