Contracters givendeath payments

NHS employees working for private contractors are to be covered by new death–in-service benefits relating to COVID-19 following representations by public sector union UNISON.

UNISON insisted that those working for private contractors on NHS work, including SERCO at University Hospital Wishaw, will qualify for the same benefits as NHS workers and made strong representations to Cabinet Secretary for Health Jeane Freeman.

The NHS Scotland Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020 came into force on March 17 and now covers those working for the NHS, including bank workers, contractors and GP practices including GP partners, staff and local practitioners.

Margo Cranmer, secretary of the Lanarkshire Health Branch of UNISON said “We value all those working for the NHS equally and felt it important that the death-in-service benefit was available to everyone.

“It is particularly important here in Lanarkshire where we have many members working for the NHS through external contractors such as SERCO and ISS.

“Obviously we hope the number of deaths in service is as low as possible. One is one too many. But we have to be prepared. Thankfully UNISON has intervened and the Cabinet Secretary has listened.”

The families of workers who die as a result of COVID-19 will qualify for death-in-service benefits if their loved one has been working in an area where they contracted the virus in the course of their work for the NHS and it is believed to be a factor in their death.

Benefits include up to two years salary and pension payments for dependents.

Willie Duffy, UNISON Scotland’s lead organiser for health, said he had been contacted by the Cabinet Secretary’s office to be advised that private contractors were covered by the scheme’s rules.