Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to provide financial support to frontline key workers who are at high risk of exposure to (a) covid-19 and (b) Long Covid.

Throughout this crisis, the government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. To support public services in responding to COVID-19, the government announced a further £55 billion of new funding for public services in 2021-22 in the 2020 Spending Review.

Workers who are clinically extremely vulnerable and advised to shield, but unable to work from home, can access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, if they meet the wider eligibility criteria.

In cases where their employer chooses not to furlough them under the CJRS and does not have other suitable policies in place (e.g. the ability to work from home, or the provision of special leave), Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is available. Those who receive a notification that they need to shield from going to work if they cannot work from home, will be eligible for SSP from their employer, or new style Employment and Support Allowance, subject to the wider eligibility criteria. Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they require further financial support, for example where they are not eligible for SSP, they may be able to claim Universal Credit, depending on their personal circumstances.