Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential gaps in provision of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for people shielding from COVID-19.

From 1 August, those who are shielding who need to work and who cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is COVID-secure, adhering to the guidance available. Employers should do all they can to enable shielders to work from home where this is possible, or to work in a COVID-secure workplace where this is not.

Employees who are still unable to work because they are shielding in line with public health guidance can be furloughed, providing that they have previously been furloughed for at least three consecutive weeks taking place any time between 1 March 2020 and 30 June.

The Government has set out an unprecedented package of financial support measures to help the country through the coronavirus pandemic, to which shielders may have access. These measures include Statutory Sick Pay, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, and an injection of £8 billon into the welfare system to improve the safety net.