In order to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus, it is essential that anyone with symptoms or who is contacted by the test and trace system self-isolates fully for the advised period. However, Statutory Sick Pay is just £95.85 per week – which doesn’t even cover rent for a single bedroom in London, so for many people who are unable to work from home, self-isolation will lead to a devastating loss of income. 

Earlier today the head of the government’s Test and Trace programme admitted that at least 40% of people are refusing to self-isolate and many are too scared to get tested in case they lose work. I asked the Minister for Work and Pensions what is being done to ensure that Statutory Sick Pay is sufficient to enable everyone who needs to self-isolate to do so >>