Coronavirus: Eastbourne Citizens Advice on job losses, self-isolation and what to do if you’re self-employed

Workers have been laid off since Monday’s (March 16) announcement by the government advising people to stay away from pubs and restaurants.

That is according to Citizens Advice, which says the recommendation to socially distance has also affected volunteer levels at the charity, due to many being over 70.

CEO Alan Bruzon is asking people to contact them over the phone and only if the matter is urgent.

He said, “We are getting immediate effects, questions about benefits and people being laid off.

“We think that will be the new subject and number one thing we will be asked about.

“I think the government hasn’t given an indication to businesses as to what support it will offer.

“Its told people to avoid pubs and restaurants so it’s understandable.”

He says people on zero hour contracts who have to take time off due to the illness should be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but there is an uncertainty on the issue.

“Most employers will say ‘in that case I’m not offering you work until you come back’,” he said.

Universal Credit is his advice to people in this situation. The Herald asked about people who may struggle to pay their rent or mortgage.

Mr Bruzon said, “It’s unusual times, we have to be flexible. Talk to your landlord, some mortgage providers are being a bit more flexible if they can.”

But he said, “I think new measures will have to be introduced to help and support people a bit better.

“I imagine the government is having a lot of difficulty thinking those things through at the moment.

“It’s support for people that’s most vulnerable. I think we need some clarity about that. I expect to hear more in the days to come.

“This is changing all the time. Hopefully more support will be announced. I’m still optimistic.”

Based in Commercial Road, Eastbourne Citizens Advice has a number of volunteers over the age of 70 who will be unable to come into the office.

It is hoped they will be able to work from home but in the meantime the service’s capacity is reduced.

People who need help are being asked to call the charity or visit its website before making a visit in person.

“We will do our best,” said Mr Bruson, “We will continue to offer that help.

“Anybody who has the symptoms need to think twice about coming down in person, please try using the phone.”

Call 03444 111 444 or visit eastbournecab.co.uk

The latest advice for new claimants:

• Those affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for Universal Credit and can receive up to a month’s advance up front without physically attending a Jobcentre

• The 7 waiting days for ESA for new claimants will not apply if they are suffering from coronavirus or are required to stay at home – so it will be payable from day one

Employees and the self-employed:

• People who cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of their illness

• Statutory Sick Pay will be payable to people who are staying at home on government advice, not just those who are infected

• If employees need to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home due to coronavirus, they will be able to get it from the NHS 111 Online instead of having to get a fit note from their doctor

• Self-employed claimants on Universal Credit who are required to stay at home or are ill as a result of coronavirus will not have a Minimum Income Floor (an assumed level of income) applied for a period of time while affected

Employers

• Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for employees unable to work because of coronavirus. This refund will be for up to 2 weeks per employee.