Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus

As an older worker you may have found that your work is affected by Coronavirus; your employer’s business may temporarily closed, your self-employment may have stopped or you may be concerned about safety at work.

Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus.

To help you understand these changes we've put together questions and answers that our helpline has been asked.

Age Scotland's Helpline
Employment Questions and Answers
Where can I get more information?

Age Scotland's Helpline

We're here for you

The Age Scotland helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. Our team provide information, friendship and advice. Our helpline is free to call and available Monday - Friday 9-5pm. Call us today on 0800 12 44 222.

Employment Questions and Answers

What will happen if my employer doesn’t have any work for me for just now?

The government has set up a Coronavirus job retention scheme which may allow your employer to “furlough” you. You need to have been on the employer’s payroll on 19 March 2020 and be paid through PAYE. You can’t do any work for your employer whilst you are furloughed. Your employer could also furlough you because you are self-isolating or have to look after a child Your employer can claim a grant of up to 80% of your employment costs up to £2,500 per month.

The scheme runs from 1^st March at until October 2020. From August 2020 employers are expected to start sharing the cost of the scheme and from August employers currently using the scheme will then be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time.

You can find more information here about how the scheme may affect you by clicking this link.

Full information about the scheme is can be found by clicking here

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Should I be working from home?

What should my employer do if I can’t work from home?

Which businesses have to be closed just now?

What if I am self employed and can’t work or have less income just now?

There is a government scheme which will allow some self-employed people to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for March, April and May (this may be extended) The grant will be calculated based on your profits for tax years 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.

If you qualify HMRC will aim to contact you by mid May 2020 and invite you to claim using the GOV.UK online service.

You can read the guidance by clicking here

In Scotland there is an additional scheme that can help people including those who are recently self-employed. Visit the Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund webpage for more information.

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I am worried about going to work

If you are shielding do not leave the house for 12 weeks. You can still work if you can safely work from home and your employer should support you to do this. If you cannot work from home your shielding letter counts as proof for your employer that you may be entitled to statutory sick pay (some people will be paid company sick pay too) - or your employer may agree to furlough you instead.

If you are not shielding but you are over 70 or have a health condition which means you normally have the flu jab, talk to your GP about whether you should be going to work. If there are particular risks to you your GP may give you a “fit note” telling you not to work, which would entitle you to Statutory Sick Pay. If you are advised not to work your employer may agree to

use the furlough scheme
let you take unpaid leave
let you take holiday

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How can I stay safe at work?

If you cannot work from home, your employer must take steps to keep you safe at work. They could let you travel when its quieter, support you to have less face to face contact with the public and make sure people stay 2 metres apart at work.

ACAS guidance to employers says they should

make sure everyone is social distancing if they come into the workplace
be especially careful and take extra steps for vulnerable groups, including those who are pregnant, aged 70 or over, or who have a long-term health condition
hold meetings as remote calls and avoid travel as much as possible
make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace shows symptoms of the virus
make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them
make sure everyone's contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
keep up to date with the latest government advice

The full guidance can be found here

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What if I have a job where there can’t be social distancing?

If you have a job where you need to provide personal care in a care setting and cannot do your work without touching someone, there is from guidance from Health Protection Scotland about what you and your employer can do to keep you and the people you care for safe. Read information by Health Protection Scotland here

There is also NHS guidance for health and care staff. Read this information here

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Where can I get more information?

You can call Age Scotland's helpline on 0800 12 44 222. The below organisations also have useful information and advice on their websites.

Coronavirus and Employment

Some temporary changes have been made to support for employers and self-employed people because of Coronavirus

As an older worker you may have found that your work is affected by Coronavirus; your employer’s business may temporarily closed, your self-employment may have stopped or you may be concerned about safety at work.

Age Scotland's Helpline

We're here for you

Employment Questions and Answers

What will happen if my employer doesn’t have any work for me for just now?

Should I be working from home?

What should my employer do if I can’t work from home?

Which businesses have to be closed just now?

What if I am self employed and can’t work or have less income just now?

I am worried about going to work

How can I stay safe at work?

What if I have a job where there can’t be social distancing?

Where can I get more information?

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