The CSP has welcomed the government’s announcement that the families of NHS and social care workers in England and Wales who have died after contracting coronavirus will receive a £60,000 payment. But it cautions that further effort is needed to protect frontline workers and to ensure that bereaved families are spared additional distress.
The CSP was among several health unions who called on the government to make payments to the families of healthcare workers who have died in the course of their duties.
Each family will receive £60,000 in addition to any benefits that may be due under the NHS Pension Scheme.
Elaine Sparkes, assistant director of employment relations and union services, said: ‘To date, more than 100 people working in the NHS and in social care have sadly lost their lives after contracting coronavirus, and our thoughts are with their bereaved families and friends.
‘While these payments are no compensation for the loss of a loved one, they may provide some relief from financial stress or concerns – as long as they are administered quickly and simply. Along with other health unions, we will be looking at the detail of the proposals.’
The CSP expects similar schemes to be announced in Scotland and Northern Ireland in the near future.
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