Legislation changes: Additional sick leave for workers with Swine Flu

Posted in General News

As the number of people struck down with swine flu reaches epidemic levels in London and the West Midlands, and predictions of millions being affected come autumn and winter, it has been reported that the Government is considering allowing people with swine flu to stay off work for 14 days before requiring them to obtain a sick note from their GP. Currently, the period is seven days.

Under current rules, employees are only allowed to be absent for seven days, inclusive of weekends and bank holidays, before they are required to get a doctor’s note. In light of the swine flu pandemic, the Government is proposing to allow victims to take two weeks off before any proof of illness is required.

Business leaders are concerned that workers could take advantage of the relaxed rule and see the change as a “freedom pass” to taking time off. However, a spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We don’t want people to feel obliged to leave the home or return to work when they are still unwell or put an unnecessary burden on GPs in a pandemic. Contingency plans therefore include the possibility of extending self-certification to 14 days for a limited period.” (The Times, 11 July 2009)