Self-isolating after returning to the UK
People returning to the UK will need to check if they must self-isolate or quarantine for 10 days.
This could include returning from abroad after:
- a holiday
- other personal travel, for example a family emergency
- business travel, where it's not reasonably possible to do the work in the UK
What they must do depends on where they have travelled from. In some cases this means staying at home for 10 days. People travelling from particular countries must stay in a managed quarantine hotel.
It's important to check the latest government guidance before and after travelling. Read the latest guidance for:
- England – rules for entering England from abroad on GOV.UK
- Scotland – Scottish Government international travel and quarantine guidance
- Wales – Welsh Government self-isolation and travel guidance
Employees and workers who need to self-isolate should not leave their home to go to work.
If the person can work from home, their work may not be affected by having to self-isolate.
If someone cannot work from home
If an employee cannot do their job from home, they should talk to their employer to agree what type of leave to use. Options could include:
- extra paid holiday ('annual leave')
- unpaid leave
- any other type of 'special' paid leave the organisation might offer
Sick pay for self-isolating or quarantine after travel
Employees and workers are not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they're self-isolating after travel abroad and cannot work from home. But an employer can choose to pay them sick pay – at the same rate as SSP or a higher rate – if they want to.
Someone may be entitled to SSP for another reason, for example if they have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
It's a good idea to check your organisation's policy to see sick pay rules.
Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Travel because of family emergencies
Employers should be respectful and fair towards employees and workers who need to travel because of a family emergency or the death of a family member outside the UK.
If the employee or worker cannot work from home when they return, the employer could consider other options for some or all of the time they're in self-isolation. This could be:
- unpaid leave
- special paid leave
Find out more about: