Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing financial incentives to increase the (a) recruitment, (b) retention and (c) availability of key workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Key workers across the country have already demonstrated their courage and resolve by supporting the public during this difficult time. It is vital that public and other essential services have the workers they need going forward.

The Government is considering appropriate measures to ensure that the public continues to have access to essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For public services, HM Treasury is working closely with departments to take appropriate action so that workforces have the staff they need. Departments will announce measures as soon as they have been agreed.

The Government is also amending pension rules where necessary to remove barriers to retired workers returning to work, including for the NHS, which have already been announced.