Question reference: S6W-07142
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 9 March 2022
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Current status: Answered by Kate Forbes on 18 March 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether statutory sick pay is sufficient support for people who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19, and who do not qualify for the Self-isolation Support Grant and who care for one or more dependants, and what the basis is for its position on this matter.
Answer
The Scottish Government supports the Real Living Wage. As statutory sick pay is reserved to Westminster the Scottish Government continues to engage with the UK Government to improve on the existing arrangements.
The income eligibility threshold for the Self-Isolation Grant are inclusive of our commitment to the Real Living Wage and are one of the most generous of the four home nation schemes. This ensures those low income workers and their families are supported when being asked to isolation as a result of COVID-19.
Those workers who are not eligible for the Self-Isolation Support Grant may be eligible for an emergency grant from their local authority. Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grants are available to all people regardless of their current benefit eligibility. They are specifically designed to provide a safety net when an emergency situation occurs and there is no other way to cover costs.
In addition, support can be provided via the Local Self-Isolation Support Service which is a proactive outbound call service operated by local authorities. The service calls people who are self-isolating, and who are happy to pass on their details. This service helps with support to access food, medication, and other essentials, whilst also signposting to further advice services. Help can be provided by contacting The National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000 which anyone can contact, and operates between 09.00 to 17.00 every weekday.