Isolation payment of £13 a day derided as insult from ministers
PAYMENTS of £13 a day to low-income coronavirus patients self-isolating and unable to work were yesterday blasted as “insulting”.
Up to £182 over 14 days will be paid from Tuesday to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in highrisk areas, and who cannot work from home, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced.
The scheme will be trialled in parts of the North West.
Eligible individuals who test positive for the disease will get £130 for 10 days of self-isolation.
Other members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, will get £182.
But when the Mirror visited Leeds, West Yorks, yesterday, locals were outraged.
Warehouse worker Anna Frost, 30, a mum of two, said: “£13 simply isn’t much at all, and obviously not close to a full wage. £13 a day?
“It’s an insult to say we can live on that.”
Pre-school activity leader Claire Noonan, 41, a mum-of-two from Cookridge, West Yorks, said: “It’s not enough for us to survive on.”
Stay-at-home mum-of-three Marta Ferrera, 36, whose husband is a cleaner, said: “It’s unfair and ridiculous. Do I have to starve my kids? Frankly, the Government are massively out of touch and I’m insulted they think this is OK.” Bookies’ manager Marcus Whittingham, 26, said: “I think it’s a kick in the teeth, especially for those who have no choice but to isolate.” Beautician Katie Yates, 29, a mum of three said: “You do everything you need to do to avoid getting Covid but you could end up at home... accepting £13 a day. It would be difficult.” Frances O’Grady, the TUC’s general secretary, said: “It should be at least as much as the Real Living Wage, £320 a week, so everyone who needs to self-isolate can afford to.”
Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said of the Government: “I am pleased they have at last acknowledged this issue but am sorry to say this move goes nowhere near far enough.” Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: “Everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate.” Pendle Borough Council leader Mohammed Iqbal said the £13 a day was “not acceptable”. Mr Hancock said the £13 a day was “in addition” to other benefits that people on low incomes receive.