Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Support: Worst-affected Sectors

Monday 19 October 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Elmore asked about support for people in sectors worst affected by the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Chris Elmore raised the issue of support for single parents when their child has to self-isolate.
  • Neil Gray inquired about extending the covid-related increase to universal credit and expanding it to legacy benefits.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Employment
Context

The MP asks about the discussions on support for people in the hardest-hit sectors during the covid-19 pandemic.

Question

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for people in the sectors worst affected by the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question, because he gives me the opportunity to highlight again what we are doing to help people in the sectors worst affected by the covid-19 outbreak. I have worked with my colleagues across government in forming and delivering our £30 billion plan for jobs to increase employment support, protect jobs and create new opportunities.

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
NHS Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP raises concerns about the lack of support for single parents whose children need to self-isolate, affecting their ability to claim statutory sick pay or universal credit.

Question

May I raise the specific issue of the support that is available to single parents when their child has to self-isolate? They are not able to claim statutory sick pay if their child is having to self-isolate at school age. In addition, if they were to apply for universal credit, they would have to restart the process each and every time.

Answer from Therese Coffey

I will certainly ask the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work to look into that detailed issue on SSP. If a person is required to self-isolate as a consequence of somebody in their household having symptoms, then, in my view, they should be eligible for SSP. But given that it is such a legal and technical issue, I will ask my hon. Friend to write to the hon. Gentleman specifically.

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Q3 Neil Gray SNP
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP asks about extending the job retention scheme and expanding the coronavirus-related increase to universal credit.

Question

Ending the furlough scheme early is going to put livelihoods at risk, so will the Secretary of State provide an update on her discussions with the Treasury about extending the covid-related increase to universal credit and ensuring that it is expanded to legacy benefits?

Answer from Therese Coffey

There are multiple questions there. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has already responded by introducing the new job support scheme, which he updated for particular sectors, thinking of tier 3 in England, to extend even further the furlough scheme. It is clear that this Government are doing what is needed.

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