William Eichler 27 August 2020

New scheme to support self-isolating workers does not go ‘far enough’, Burnham says

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has criticised the Government’s announcement of a new payment for people who are self-isolating, arguing that it ‘goes nowhere near far enough’.

Health secretary Matt Hancock today announced that people on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of Covid-19 will benefit from a new payment scheme from 1 September.

Starting with a trial in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, individuals who test positive for the virus will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation.

Other members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to a payment of £182. Non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will be entitled to up to £182.

‘The British public have already sacrificed a great deal to help slow the spread of the virus. Self-isolating if you have tested positive for Covid-19, or have come into contact with someone who has, remains vital to keeping on top of local outbreaks,’ said Mr Hancock.

‘This new payment scheme will help people on low incomes and who are unable to work from home to continue playing their part in the national fight against this virus.’

Mr Burnham welcomed what he characterised as a ‘belated’ response to calls for a scheme to support people who are unable to work from home. However, he argued that the Government’s scheme falls short.

‘I have been calling for weeks for the Government to provide financial support for those asked to self-isolate. I am pleased they have at last acknowledged this issue but am sorry to say this move goes nowhere near far enough,’ he said.

‘The health secretary has already said that he couldn’t live on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at £95 a week. So how can an announcement like this work?’

‘For many workers in Greater Manchester, this will not provide the support people need to cooperate with NHS Test and Trace,’ he continued.

‘Having belatedly acknowledged that something needs to be done, Government must now accept the calls of the "Time Out to Help Out" campaign and support people across the country to self-isolate on full pay.

‘For us to get a grip on this virus before we head into a winter without a vaccine, the vast majority of those contacted by national Test and Trace need to be able to self-isolate immediately and not worry about loss of earnings or, worse, losing a job. Quite simply, these measures are not good enough.’

Gig economy workers are amongst those most exposed to the risks from COVID-19, says Dominic Harrison.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner