Lib Dems: Vulnerable people who cannot return to work must get sick pay
Responding to the daily press conference, where the Health Secretary made an announcement to relax the guidance to all those shielding, Liberal Democrat Health, Care and Well-being Spokesperson Munira Wilson said:
The announcement from the Health Secretary will be welcome news to all those who have been shielding over the past few months during the pandemic. Whilst this has been crucial for their physical health, we cannot underestimate the toll this has taken on their well-being and mental health.
It’s vital the Government ensures that everything is in place to help all those who have been shielding as they begin to return towards a more normal life. Extremely vulnerable people who cannot return to work safely must continue to be supported through Statutory Sick Pay – and the Government must increase the rate significantly so they can afford to stay safe. We must ensure no one is left behind.
Whilst the Government continue to dither and delay on implementing test, trace and isolate, the relaxation of lockdown will carry considerable risks. It is crucial for us all, especially those shielding, that this is solved as otherwise we risk a second peak of coronavirus which will endanger the more vulnerable in our society the most.
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One Comment
I’m not sure it will be welcome news. I know people who are sheilding and they are terrified that they will be forced out and back to work, when we have still large numbers of infections and deaths.
There is still a lot of opposition to easing lockdown for everyone else. Getting the most vulnerable out – when we still have no idea what will happen when society starts to open up seems deadly quite honestly. Especially combined with reducing distancing, not to mention the utterly reckless, selfish and nasty behaviour by a sizable minority of people.