On 25 May Nav Mishra MP asked a question in parliament about full pay for self isolation. Health Secretary Matt Hancock replied recognising the importance of this issue and stating that the allocation of money to local councils through the infection control fund can be used for this. This statement is important and should be used to push for full pay in all areas. See the exchange here:
https://www.facebook.com/107278050942427/posts/143620510641514/
The basic argument has been won in the NHS and now in social care – workers need full pay for self isolation. Any less means workers not being able to afford to self isolate in line with public health guidance and risks spreading the infection.
The full guidance on the infection control fund is here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-care-homes/coronavirus-covid-19-care-home-support-package#annex
Here is an animation explaining about the fund:
https://youtu.be/UApQ-_UNXy0
And an article from the Institute of Employment Rights explaining the implications of this announcement:
https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/victory-on-government-funding-of-sick-pay-for-care-workers-some-background-and-implications/
But winning the argument is not enough. We need to organise for this.Local councils should be ensuring their care providers are paying full pay. Here is a model letter you can use to campaign for this.
https://safeandequal.org/take-action-for-careworkers-lobby-your-local-authority/