Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures will be in place by 1 August to support those who are shielding from COVID-19 who cannot return to work because their workplace is not safe, but who cannot be furloughed as the deadline has passed and who will not be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay under the Government's plans to end the shielding programme on 31 July.

On 22 June, the Prime Minister announced that the Government will relax the current public health guidance for those identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) to shield at home. This means from 1 August they will be able to return to work if they are unable to work from home, provided their workplace is COVID-safe.

It is important that this group continue to take careful precautions, and employers should do all they can to enable them to work from home where this is possible, including moving them to another role if required. Where this is not possible, the CEV should be provided with the safest on-site roles that enable them to maintain social distancing from others.

If employers cannot provide a safe working environment, the CEV will continue to have access to an unprecedented package of financial support. This is not limited to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, but also includes the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and an increase in the generosity of welfare payments worth a further £8bn.