BRITS on Universal Credit who have to self-isolate over coronavirus are being urged to contact job centres so they don’t get sanctioned.
The six-in-one benefits system requires individuals to complete a certain number of hours of work, attend meetings or search for a job in order to receive welfare support.
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If they don’t, they could face sanctions.
But thanks to the spread of coronavirus some job centres are already having to deal with people who are self isolating – and who could be unable to fulfil their commitments.
Having to be sent home from work or look after a child if a school is shut could have a knock-on impact for Brits on Universal Credit, or other benefits.
A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson said: “Our staff are ready to support people who are impacted – we urge them to contact us by phone, or their work coach via their online journal, to explain their situation.
“Anyone not eligible to receive sick pay is able to claim Universal Credit and/or contributory Employment and Support Allowance.”
The warning came as:
- 40 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in Britain – including at least one who caught the disease in Britain
- Thirty-five schools are now on lockdown amid pandemic fears
- Rugby has already been hit by the postponement of next week’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and virus-plagued Italy
- Millions could be told to work from home to stop it spreading further in emergency plans under consideration
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development slashed the 2020 global growth forecast by 0.5 per cent over the outbreak
- New chancellor Rishi Sunak was warned his budget plans may be blown apart due to the coronavirus causing massive economic disruption
- The EU warned the virus could cause huge disruption to the economy and society
Anyone on the flagship benefits system who needs to self-isolate or do fewer hours is urged to report it in their online journals.
Ministers have already said that anyone who has to stay at home due to the spread of the killer bug should be entitled to claim sick pay.
Brits who have returned from Wuhan, Iran, parts of Korea and Italy are told to self-isolate and stay at home if they have come back from there in the last 14 days.
GMB union demanded that the Government give everyone the right to normal pay during any period they have to self-isolate.
Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said today: “Leaving low paid workers with the choice of either losing their wages or coming into work despite suspected COVID-19 infections is a serious public health crisis.”
Gig workers and those on zero hours contracts may be entitled to sick pay and can check the Government’s website to see.
If they are not, they may be eligible to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
