Government appeals to employers to pay full wages if staff have to self-isolate

The Government has appealed to employers to pay workers their normal wages if staff have to self-isolate, or become ill from coronavirus.

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe said the Government is working on a national response to “a national public health crisis” and is joining with employers’ groups and unions in calling on all employers whose staff need to go into a period of isolation to continue to pay them as normal.

Mr Donohoe said the Government recognises that, for some employers, “this may well be a challenge”, as not all will be able to cover full pay.

He said the appeal was following the Government’s decision earlier this week to cover sick pay for workers, at a potential cost of €2.4bn.

The Government has agreed measures to support business, including loans. In a statement, it said it recognises that some employers will face severe business and cashflow pressures in the period ahead.

“A number of liquidity measures to assist affected businesses have also been announced by the Government, and the Government will continue to work with stakeholders, including businesses, to mitigate the adverse economic impact in the period ahead,” said Mr Donohoe.

The minister was also asked about the thousands of Irish horseracing fans who travelled to the Cheltenham Festival in Britain, and whether they will be tested for the virus on their return.

He said authorities were keeping everything “under review”, but added: “This is a decision that will be made by the public health officials now over the course of the coming days.

The public health experts who are involved in this haven’t advised us that this is necessary. What we want to do is ensure that what we are doing now is very comprehensive, but also proportionate.

Business minister Heather Humphreys said there was no need for “panic buying” and the information she had, as of last Thursday, was that there were sufficient supplies of foods for communities.

Mr Donohoe said he expected the virus to impact on many sectors in the economy. He also confirmed that he has spoken with chief financial authorities about concerns ahead.

“I was in contact with the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners yesterday, as I was in contact with the governor of the Central Bank, and the chief executive of the NTMA. We are keeping many different things under review at the moment. I am particularly aware that smaller companies could well be facing great challenges in the coming days and weeks.”

Any closures of schools or facilities will be explained clearly to parents and families, but there are no plans for such closures, he said yesterday afternoon.

He also warned against “bulk buying” and how this could impact on communities, but nonetheless said it was up to retailers to communicate with shoppers.

“We believe that our supply chains are resilient,” he said.

Useful information
• The HSE have developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Read it here
• Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone, with a phone; phone their GP, or emergency department - if this is not possible, phone 112 or 999 and in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999