Furlough extension call for shielders

Shielding employees who cannot return to work should continue to be furloughed at 80 per cent of their wages, a charity has said.

Age UK is calling for greater protection for staff who are unable to return to work for health reasons and whose job cannot be done from home.

Earlier this month Blood Cancer UK launched a similar campaign, saying some jobs were difficult or impossible to do while continually social distancing, such as those in shops, factories, nurseries, pubs, cafes and hospitals.

Shielding is due to end in Scotland on Saturday, and in England and Northern Ireland on Friday. Medics should then decide whether patients can reasonably be expected to work, depending on their workplace.

According to the UK Government, employers have been told to make sure the shielded can work from home wherever possible, including moving them to another role if required.

If employers cannot provide a Covid-safe working environment, those who are clinically vulnerable will be able to access financial support, including statutory sick pay and welfare payments, it has said. Age UK said its own analysis showed around 319,000 workers aged 50 and over were advised to shield in March for health reasons, while others have health conditions that make working close to other people risky.

Others are also living with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable and must take extra care, the charity said.

It is campaigning for furlough-style payments for these people and for full employment rights to be maintained.

It also wants extra protection from dismissal for people who are coming back from furlough or from shielding, and extensions to the right to work flexibly and from home.