Support for Shielding People Covid-19 2020-09-14
2020-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Local lockdowns have been implemented in response to rising infection rates, requiring some individuals to shield and stay at home. This has financial implications for those who cannot work.
What financial support her Department plans to make available to shielding people affected by local lockdowns due to covid-19?
Those in a local lockdown area who receive a notification that they need to shield will remain eligible for statutory sick pay and new-style employment and support allowance, subject to the wider eligibility criteria.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local lockdown measures pose challenges for workers, especially when employers do not comply with guidelines to make workplaces covid-secure. There is a need for mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Will the Government offer support to employees to hold their employers to account where they are not following the guidelines and making their workplaces covid-secure?
The Government, through the Health and Safety Executive and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, are continuing to issue improved guidance to make it as easy as possible for employers to make reasonable adjustments. Those employees who still have concerns can either talk directly to their employers or raise them with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service or the HSE to try to get them resolved.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support mechanisms not detailed; response focused on guidance and existing services rather than new specific measures.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The TUC highlighted that a significant proportion of workers will struggle to meet financial obligations if they have to self-isolate. There is a concern that the current level of statutory sick pay may not incentivise individuals to comply with isolation measures.
Will the Secretary of State increase statutory sick pay to ensure no one is left behind and keep the country covid-secure?
We have already made changes to the eligibility for statutory sick pay so that people can qualify from the first day rather than wait until the fourth day. We have extended it to those with symptoms, those who need to self-isolate, or those who need to self-isolate ahead of a hospital procedure.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific increase in statutory sick pay amount not addressed; response focused on eligibility changes and additional support measures.
Under Review
Response accuracy