Coronavirus scheme supports low-paid workers

Employed and self-employed residents on low income in Blackburn with Darwen who are self-isolating because of coronavirus may be able to claim up to £182, it has been announced.

Blackburn with Darwen has been chosen as a pilot area for the new Government scheme, which starts on Tuesday, September 1.

The Council lobbied for the support but has concerns about the amount being given out.

The payment – equivalent to £13 per day – is designed to support people who are employed and in receipt of: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance, Pension credit or Housing Benefit but are unable to work from home while self-isolating and are not being paid by their employer.

Those people will either have tested positive or been identified by NHS contact tracers as living in the same household as – or coming into contact with – someone who has tested positive.

Employed or self-employed people who test positive for coronavirus will receive £130 to cover their 10 days self-isolation period.

Other members of the same household will receive £182 to cover 14 days self-isolation

Anyone else advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will be entitled to a payment of up to £182.

An online claim form will be launched on Tuesday, September 1. Evidence will be required to claim and payments will be made within two working days.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

We have lobbied for a financial support scheme for residents who have to self-isolate, so any support is welcome, but I share concerns with other local leaders and the Trade Union Congress that £13 is nowhere near enough. However, we will work to implement the system efficiently and effectively whilst working with the Government to try and secure more. We will also offer feedback on how the scheme is working locally.