If you are a zero hours worker who is an employee, you might qualify for occupational sick pay but you should check with your employer for details of their occupational sick pay policy (if they have one).

To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, you must: 

• be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer.
• earn an average of at least £120 per week.

You will not qualify if you:

• have received the maximum amount of Statutory Sick Pay (28 weeks).
• are receiving Statutory Maternity Pay.

SSP is usually payable from day 4 of your absence from work. However, if you are off-sick because of Covid-19, then SSP is payable from Day 1 of your absence. You can be off-sick because of Covid-19 if:

• You have tested positive for Covid-19;
• You have Covid-19 symptoms (fever, new continuous cough or a loss of or change in your sense of smell or tase;
• If you have to self-isolate because someone in your household has been tested positive for Covid-19 or has symptoms;
• You've been told to shield by the NHS because of an underlying health condition;
• You've been told to self-isolate by a docter, NHS 111 or NHS Test and Trace.

However, you are not entitled to SSP if you are self-isolating because you've returned from holiday.

From 28 September, if you are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, you may be entitled to a support payment of £500, on top of any SSP or benefits you receive.