ALBA Party Westminster Leader Neale Hanvey MP is calling on the Chancellor to introduce full sick pay for anyone that needs to self-isolate because of Covid.  Introducing the measure would ensure that people who are self-employed who would not normally qualify for full sick pay are not forced to work, through financial necessity, when they should be self-isolating.

Mr Hanvey has tabled Parliamentary Written Questions asking the Chancellor to consider the move.

In a statement Mr Hanvey said:

“I am calling on the Chancellor to introduce full sick pay for all those people who are required to self-isolate following a positive Covid test.

“People should not have to face financial penalties for having to do the right thing and self-isolate but that is exactly what will happen unless the Chancellor is prepared to introduce full sick pay for those affected.

“Of course this has a financial cost to the Exchequer but there is a huge public health benefit in keeping people at home as this will help to stop the spread of the virus.

“People are facing the unenviable moral dilemma of self-isolating with no income or being forced to work and put others at risk of catching the virus.  That is not a choice anyone should have to make. It is for that reason that I am calling on the Chancellor to act and introduce full sick pay for people who have to self-isolate.

“This will benefit many people in my constituency such as small business owners, taxi drivers and shop keepers.  Rishi Sunak must not turn his back on people who need his help particularly at this time of year.”