Restore carers' sick pay or lives will be put at risk

Warning after social care staff fund is axed

- PAUL HUTCHEON

A CAMPAIGNING MSP who secured sick pay for social care staff has demanded the Government reinstate the axed scheme.

Monica Lennon said it was "disgraceful" that ministers had pulled the plug on the £95.85-aweek help and warned it could put lives at risk.

Many workers in the sector do not have sick pay and this lack of support was believed to be a huge risk during the pandemic.

Some staff could not afford to take time off if they were ill and there were fears sick employees were going to work in care homes. The Government stepped in with the Social Care Staff Support Fund, but the lifeline scheme ended on March 31.

Lennon, whose pressure led to the fund being introduced in the first place, said: "Slashing the sick pay of carers is disgraceful and could put lives at risk.