A number of supply staff have been asked recently to isolate. Many didn’t know what to do next. This guide, compiled with thanks by Network members Tim Holden and Stuart Irving, should help all supply members should this happen to you.

Financial support for self-isolating supply teachers

The financial support available for supply staff who have had to self-isolate depends on the individual’s situation. As well as state benefits that you may be eligible to claim, there are also several Union and charity grants available. Even if you have not had to self-isolate but you are struggling financially, it is worth reading the charity grants section below and do a benefits calculation, to check your eligibility for state benefits: 

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

BENEFITS: Statutory sick pay

If you are employed (school direct, agency or payroll company) and have to take time off work due to self-isolation, you could be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (£95.85 per week) from the first day.

You need to meet the criteria:· be classed as an employee (also applies to some other types of workers) and have worked for your employer, earning an average of at least £120 per week, over the previous 8-week period. From the employer’s point of view, have been ill, self-isolating or ‘shielding’ for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days). Application for SSP is via your employer and needs to be applied for within 7 days of starting self-isolation.

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

Note:· You must usually tell your employer you are unable to work before the deadline they set (or within 7 days if they have not set one).· You could lose some of your SSP if you do not tell your employer.· If you’re self-isolating and cannot work because of coronavirus, you can get an ‘isolation note’ online from NHS 111 

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/·

You can qualify for sick pay from more than one job.· If you have more than 3 months prior employment (at any point) with the employer, SSP entitlement will continue for the whole of the period of self-isolation.· If you have less than a 3 months period of employment with the employer, SSP entitlement will continue to the end of any assignment you had agreed to work.

https://www.gov.uk/…/statutory-sick-pay-how-different…

If an employee is not eligible or their SSP ends

If you do not meet the criteria for Statutory sick pay, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA – up to £74.35 per week) https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/eligibility. To support your claim, you will need a SSP1 form https://www.gov.uk/…/statutory-sick-pay-employee-not…

Test and trace support payment

If you are told to self-isolate after 28 September 2020, you are under a legal obligation to do so and could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment if you live in England and meet all the following criteria:

· You have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because you have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

· You have an 8-digit code from NHS Test and Trace.

· You are currently employed (school direct, agency or payroll company).

· You are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating.

· You are currently receiving at least one of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit.

If you do not fulfil the above criteria for the Test and Trace Support Payment, you could be eligible for a £500 discretionary payment if you live in England, subject to meeting set criteria. Application via unitary authorities and district councils, with NHS Test and Trace 8 digit number, a bank statement and proof of employment.

https://www.gov.uk/…/claiming-financial-support-under…

*****Unfortunately this payment is not available if a supply teacher is ordered by a school (acting on behalf of Public health England) to self-isolate*****

This (ordered by a school) has been challenged in parliament and is awaiting update.

FURLOUGH: Job Retention Scheme

Agencies and payroll companies who have employees whose work has been affected by Covid-19 are eligible to apply for funding from the Job Retention Scheme and furlough these workers on a flexible basis until 31st March 2021. Workers furloughed must be employed on 30 October 2020 and on a PAYE RTI submission to HMRC between the 20 March 2020 and 30 October 2020.

Note:· The Job Retention scheme is voluntary and employers such as agencies are not obliged to furlough employees

· The employer will have to contribute employers NICs and pension contributions.

· If on your payroll on 19 March 2020 and on HMRC on a Real Time Information (RTI) Full Payment Submission (FPS). Calculate 80% wage of the higher of: average wage of 2019/20 tax year or wages earned in the same period in 2019/20 tax year.

· For all other employees’, you should calculate 80% of the average wages payable between 6 April 2020 (or, if later, the date the employment started) and the day before they are furloughed on or after 1 November 2020.

https://www.gov.uk/…/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the…

**** While it is unlikely that many agencies will furlough supply teachers while schools are fully open, there is nothing to prevent them from doing so if the level of work available has reduced due to Covid-19.****

If directly employed by a school or local authority, they are unable to furlough you via the Job Retention scheme. However, is available work is reduced due to Covid-19, they should consider guidance from the Local Government Association and DfE and pay 80% average wage directly. 

https://www.local.gov.uk/covid-19-employment-law-faqs

UNION & CHARITY GRANTS: NEU Hardship fund 

The NEU Hardship Fund provides grants to those members with no salary as a result of school closures or those on supply contracts/via agencies and on fixed term contracts that have not been renewed as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

https://neu.org.uk/neu-hardship-fund

NEU Trust fund give confidential support and financial assistance to members in times of illness or hardship. 

https://neu.org.uk/trust-fund

Education Support Partnership provide counselling and financial assistance to all education staff. 

https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/

Teaching Staff Trust provide financial support when something’s happened that you couldn’t have expected. 

http://www.teachingstafftrust.org.uk/

The Elizabeth Finn Fund (EFF) provides financial assistance for people who are British and have a professional or similar background. 

https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/