Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support he plans to make available for employees who are requested or required to take unpaid leave as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has announced a wide-ranging package of measures to support employees affected by Covid-19.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will now be available for individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 or those who are unable to work because they are self-isolating in line with government guidance. This is in addition to the change announced by the Prime Minister that SSP will be payable from day one instead of day four for affected individuals.

Those who are not eligible for SSP can now more easily make a claim for Universal Credit or Contributory Employment and Support Allowance:

· For the duration of the outbreak, the requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will be temporarily relaxed for those who have Covid-19 or are self-isolating, ensuring self-employed claimants will receive support. ·

- People will be able to claim?Universal Credit and access?advance payments upfront without the current requirement to attend a jobcentre if they are advised to self-isolate.

- Contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be payable, at a rate of £73.10 a week for those over 25, for eligible people affected by COVID-19 or self-isolating in line with advice from day one of sickness, rather than day eight.

From Friday 20 March onwards, those who are advised to self-isolate will be able to obtain?an “isolation note” by contacting?NHS 111?, rather than by visiting a doctor.

The Budget also announced a £500 million Hardship Fund to help Local Authorities to support economically vulnerable people and households.

Banks and building societies are also ready and able to support consumers affected by Covid-19. On 17 March, the Chancellor announced on behalf of the sector that banks and building societies will offer a 3-month ‘mortgage holiday’ for borrowers that are financially struggling with their repayments. This forbearance measure will enable affected borrowers to defer their mortgage payments for up to three months while they get back on their feet. Customers who are concerned about the current financial situation should get in touch with their lender at the earliest possible opportunity.