Workers who are advised by Public Health that they need to self-isolate for 4 days or more and who cannot work from home can already make a claim for sickness benefit.

The maximum weekly rate is £168.07, however benefit is based on an individual’s own contribution. Workers directed to self-isolate can self-certify for up to 14 days.

Small businesses and the self-employed who find itself in a critical situation will now be able to submit claims, which will be considered "on a case-by-case basis".

Deputy Mark Helyar, Treasury lead for the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “Our aim through all of the business support we have arranged throughout the pandemic has been to help viable businesses survive these extraordinary times.

"That’s still the case now for those sectors which can still apply for the various support schemes, and if we’re going to use public funds responsibly, we need to take that same approach for businesses affected by a self-isolation requirement.

"So, where businesses find they’re in a critical situation, they should contact us and we will consider their claim. We want to reassure local businesses that we will continue to provide support where necessary.”

Pictured top: Deputies Mark Helyar and David Mahoney from P&R.