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<p><del class="ministerial">As both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have made clear,
the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19 and
we have been clear in our intention that no one should be penalised for doing the
right thing. These are rapidly developing circumstances, we continue to keep the situation
under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">It
is likely that many employees who have received a shield letter will be able to work
from home and therefore be entitled to normal pay. We would encourage employers to
make this happen where possible. For those that cannot work from home, employers have
discretion to offer occupational sick pay or paid leave depending their policies.
</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">We are also encouraging employers to make use
of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme where possible. Under the scheme small and
large employers will be eligible to apply for a government grant of 80% of workers’
salaries up to £2,500 a month. The scheme will be backdated to 1st March and available
for at least three months, with the first grants expected to be paid within weeks.</ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial">There is also the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme which will
help eligible freelance workers receive up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least
three months.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Government has set up an advice
contact centre and website exclusively to help those who have been identified as shielding
to access support. </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">A new Local Support System
in England will make sure those individuals that have been identified by the NHS to
stay at home, and who are without a support network of friends and family, will receive
essential supplies such as groceries and medicine.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Everyone
infected with Covid-19 or required to self-isolate will be treated as having Limited
Capability for Work in ESA and UC without the requirement for fit notes or undergoing
a Work Capability Assessment. Those applying for Contributory ESA will be able to
claim from day 1 – as opposed to day 8 - and we have removed the need for face-to-face
assessment.</ins></p>
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