Employer tested positive, pay for the Nanny.

[FriendlyLondonNanny]

Hi,
I hope you’re all doing well in such a tough time.

I’m working as a nanny and need some perspective on a small issue that suddenly came up last week and I’m not sure What to think about.

I must say I consider my employers as good&fair people and I absolutely adore my charges so would like to avoid any potential tensions or resentments but must add I’m a bit confused and worry about how to „sort it out”. Also I don’t mind if they see this post as I would only like to see what other people think.

I went to A&E (not COVID related) on mon evening and due to being there till late I asked for a day off the next day (tue).
Got a message on tue to get a test (on fri or sat) and stay at home till the end of the week because they don’t feel comfortable with me comming in.
In the meantime my employer got a positive COVID test on wed so said I now must self isolate for an obvious reason.

They called their payroll comapny and said they’re been adviced to offer me:
A full pay on wednesday because this was the day they asked me to stay at home.
From thursday onwards: furlough pay or SSP because they can’t provide a safe environment.

I have NO COVID symptoms. Did the test today but not resoults yet.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance:)

Did you work for them on the Monday of that week? If do then that is why you are now having to self isolate, as they tested positive on the Wednesday so there is a fair chance that you came in contact with the virus on the Monday whilst at work.

You requested Tuesday off, so that's unpaid leave. The Wednesday, Thursday, Friday they told you not to come to work - their choice, so full pay... but then they tested positive so workplace closed on the Wednesday at some point, so reasonable to have closure from Thursday onwards.

So assuming you work Monday-Friday, then I would have thought that week would be as follows:
Monday - full pay
Tuesday - unpaid leave (or annual leave if you had requested to use that and employer had agreed to it at the time)
Wednesday - full pay (parents choice that you did not go in)
Thursday - furlough (no one's choice now as a positive test)
Friday - furlough

What are they actually offering at this stage? I would be pushing for furlough.

@FriendlyLondonNanny

So Nannies always lose out? How nice.

Well no, literally thousands of people who have to isolate are getting SSP. You are not an exception.

If your losing money due to having to isolate, you may be able to get the 500 covid payment from the government to help. Have a look online to see if you meet the criteria.

I think your employers are being ungenerous if they don't top up your furlough. A bit grabby to even claim furlough for you in this situation but if they top it up, OK.

I think you should be on full pay. Whether that comes out of their pocket or furlough and top up is up to them.