Statutory sick pay for shielding workers scrapped from August

SHIELDING Brits will be able to return to work from August 1  - meaning they will no longer be eligible for statutory sick pay on the basis that they're shielding.

A total of 2.2 million people in England who are currently shielding can meet in groups of six people from July 6.

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They can also go back to their jobs if their workplaces are protected from Covid-19.

Along with statutory sick pay, support packages created by the government, which are filled with food and essentials, will also be stopped at the end of July.

The Department for Work and Pensions has said people can still receive statutory sick pay if they’re self-isolating because of symptoms and the other usual criteria.

People will also still have their priority for supermarket delivery slots, can still access help with shopping, medication, phone calls and transport to medical appointments.

Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said it was "essential" that people are able to access statutory sick pay if they feel their job is unsafe.

She said: “Many people in the shielded group will have mixed emotions about the latest government guidance: looking forward to a return to some normality, but anxious about whether their health could be put at risk as restrictions lift.

"Some will also feel worried about whether their workplace will be Covid-secure by August, particularly if they are in a frontline role or need to travel to work on public transport.

"It’s essential that people who would be highly clinically vulnerable to coronavirus are able to access Statutory Sick Pay if they feel their job is unsafe.”

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said despite the new guidance, people might still be worried about returning to work.

She said: "This may involve the need to travel on public transport and to mix more frequently with others, leaving workers forced to choose between their work and their health."

She added employers must still enable people to work from home where possible.

In May, it was revealed two million Brits applied for Universal Credit during the coronavirus crisis.

Earlier this month, the Social Security Advisory Committee said Brits claiming benefits should get an extra £1,000.

And Martin Lewis has revealed how he’s fighting to help those missing out on coronavirus cash support.