Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the financial effect of the outbreak of covid-19 on social care workers on zero-hour contracts in South Yorkshire.

We know social care will be a vital part of our response to COVID-19, with providers looking after some of the most vulnerable in society. On 15 April 2020 the government published ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care action plan’ which can be read here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-plan

This document sets out the government’s plan for:

- controlling the spread of infection in care settings;

- supporting the workforce;

- supporting independence, supporting people at the end of their lives, and responding to individual needs; and

- supporting local authorities and the providers of care.

We announced £1.6 billion funding for local authorities to help support adult social care providers and staff, including costs that may arise from needing to hire new staff quickly and costs to providers to support workers on zero-hour contracts.

As part of the Government’s emergency legislation measures, Statutory Sick Pay will be available from day one for those affected by COVID-19. Anyone on zero-hour contracts who may not be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay will be able to claim Universal Credit or New Style Employment and Support Allowance, dependent on their circumstances.

It is vital we look after those employed in the care sector, and the Government is committed to ensuring that no care worker has to choose between doing the right thing and facing financial issues. Changes to the benefits regime and additional funding for adult social care will help to support workers.