Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme Ended

Posted 15 August 2023 by Mike Johnson covid-19, Leave Support Scheme;

Essential Update – 15^th August

 

In this update:

• Removal of Requirement to Self-Isolate
• Removal of Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme

 

No Requirement to Self-Isolate When Testing Positive for Covid-19:

As of 13^th August 2023, there is no longer a legal requirement for New Zealanders to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19.

However, normal sickness policies and procedures still apply. If an Employee is sick with Covid, or anything else, and are unable to work, they can take any sick leave entitlements available to them.

If you currently have Covid policies in place, we advise that these are reviewed, and a process is undertaken to update them or remove them from your policy manual as appropriate. This includes if you would still like to require your Employees to test for Covid and/or isolate for a specified time period, if they do test positive, due to the nature of the business and the potential risk associated with reporting to work with Covid. Please get in contact with us to assist you with this.

Broadly, however, general health and hygiene rules apply – if you are very sick, do not go to work.

If you would like assistance or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme:

Eligibility for the Leave Support Scheme ended today, 15^th August 2023.

Now that the isolation requirement is no longer in place, the Covid Leave Support Scheme is now no longer available for anyone who is off work due to Covid from the 13^th August onwards.

You can still apply for the full subsidy if your Employee started their self-isolation before the 13^th August, providing they meet the necessary criteria (e.g. having been in self-isolation for at least 4 consecutive days prior to the 15^th August – e.g. have been in self-isolation from 12^th August until at least the 15^th August).

From today, if an Employee is off sick due to Covid, they should take sick leave (if entitled) or will have to take unpaid sick leave. However, if your policies require staff to be off work for a specified period (as mentioned above) you may be required to pay them as normal.

If you are unsure about your obligations, please get in touch with us.

 

Essential HR are here to help.  For ongoing help call us on – 03 3650532 (voice messages are automatically relayed to Mike), or you can contact Mike directly on 027 2808546 or mike@essentialhr.co.nz.

I’m happy for you to pass this on to others.

And if you need to conference call, we are all set up with Zoom.