Over the last four weeks, the numbers of NHS workers losing their lives to Coronavirus have risen. The figure now stands at well over a hundred. And then there are the other frontline workers: bus drivers, carers, teachers, to name but a few, who are risking their lives to help others.
I want to ensure that the Government recognises their bravery and courage. I’ve been calling on them to introduce a Coronavirus Compensation Scheme, to look after the families of frontline workers should the worst happen.
Over 8000 people and 50 cross-party MPs have supported the campaign so far. And this week, I unexpectedly teamed up with The Express, who to their credit, put their weight behind this campaign and are proving instrumental in helping drive this forward.
You can help too. Please sign the petition and share it far and wide.
My campaign has clear asks. This new scheme should mirror the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and include:
- a lump sum upfront
- a guaranteed income for their family
- child payments to eligible children under 18
This would be in addition to pension benefits. Furthermore, given the extraordinary nature of this crisis, the state should also contribute to funeral costs.
This idea was born out of frustration at not being able to show my appreciation for the care workers and the key workers who are keeping our country going at the moment. At times like this, acts of kindness and support can mean everything.
You cannot put a price on the devastation that these people will feel if they lose a loved one. But I do believe that the will make a difference to those that are making those journeys into work, that it may be one extra stress alleviated, and that that is worth something.
We are gathering momentum. At a Government briefing on Thursday, Matt Hancock was asked about the scheme, and he said he ‘hopes to be able to say something more on it very soon.’
It’s good to hear encouraging words, but the families of frontline workers who are risking their lives have waited long enough. It’s time for the Government to announce this compassionate scheme, to give these families and loved ones the security and protection they deserve.
* Layla Moran is the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon
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5 Comments
Surely for NHS staff and others working with coronavirus patients, death due to Coronavirus counts as death in service. If not, I suggest it is the simplest way to implement the proposed compensation scheme.
@Roland – you may be right and I agree it’s a ready made mechanism but does this mean the NHS would have to admit accountability (insufficient PPE etc) and subsequent liabilities? How could you prove they caught it at work rather than at home etc?
Can someone sense check my maths please – NHS workforce (~1million) makes up ~1.5% of the U.K. population (68million) but only 0.5% of coronavirus deaths (100/20000). Doesn’t seem right?
To answer my own question, at least in part:
I assume the share of at risk demographics of NHS staff and U.K. are different. Better way of looking at it is number of covid deaths in NHS staff vs deaths in low risk demographics of the rest of the country….
Please can we can campaign to revoke the charges to Foreign NHS workers and care workers for health coverage
@Freddie – Your question is good. I think it is also a question that any compensation scheme would also want to consider.
Personally, given the exceptional nature of the current situation, I think the majority of the population would support some generosity and so the government could simply presume CoViD19 was contracted by an NHS employee whilst performing their duties.
As you say the numbers are (currently) quite small so the actually monetary amounts being committed are also small in the grand scheme of things.
I think where the awards under the scheme are automatic, the whole issue of liability (in law) can largely be sidestepped. However, the need is for the scheme to be seen to be generous and not be tardy or miserly in its payouts; attributes all too common to compensation schemes.