20/09/2022

We have received several queries following the Department of Health’s announcement that, from 22 August 2022, LFD tests would no longer be freely available to the public seeking clarification on what impact that change has on self-isolation periods and SSP.

In terms of self-isolation, Northern Ireland reduced the self-isolation period on 1 July 2022 so that persons were asked to isolate for 5 days (or 3 days if a child) if they tested positive for Covid. That guidance currently remains unchanged. However, businesses will recall that this is guidance only and not a legal requirement.

Unlike Great Britain, Northern Ireland extended the provisions allowing persons to be paid SSP if they are absent due Covid (for a further period of 6 months). These provisions are in place until 24 September 2022.

In those circumstances, SSP can be paid from day 1 provided the person isolates for a minimum of 4 days. We suspect that SSP will continue to apply in relation to any period of incapacity that commenced on or before 24 September 2022.

Given these changes, it may be that persons will not know that they are positive following withdrawal of free tests.

We recommend that businesses review any Covid risk assessment in place following these changes to ensure that the workplace remains Covid safe, particularly if you have vulnerable persons present in the workplace.