Coronavirus: Incapacity benefit will be given to people who have to self isolate in the Channel Islands

Guernsey's government has confirmed that those who have to self isolate and cannot work will be able to claim incapacity benefit.

Jersey's government has already reassured islanders they would be entitled to short term incapacity benefit.

In Guernsey islanders have been told if they are self-isolating and following Public Health advice they do not need to see their GP or provide a medical certificate (sick note) to make a claim for sickness benefit.

The claims will generally only be valid for 14 days or until the individual receives a negative test result for COVID-19.

Workers have been told however, if someone does not have any symptoms that would prevent them from working and is supported to work while self-isolating by their employer, for instance at home on a laptop, they will not be eligible for sickness benefit.