Health workers’ Covid leave measures end


Special paid leave for Covid-19 sickness and self-isolation for health workers brought in during the pandemic is being withdrawn in England this week, to be replaced by normal contractual sick pay arrangements. There will be a transition period for staff already off sick with Covid-related illness


Nurses’ union the RCN has described the changes as “neglectful and unfair” at a time when Covid cases are once again rising. It adds that an estimated two million people in the UK are currently suffering from long Covid, with the latest data showing women and those working in health and social care more likely to be affected. 


RCN England director Patricia Marquis said: “This decision is hugely disappointing given that Covid clearly hasn’t gone away, and nursing staff continue to be disproportionately affected by the virus as they face higher risk of exposure. 


“We know many of our members are suffering from long Covid, with their lives adversely affected making them unable to work. Facing the threat of losing full sick pay should they remain off sick from a condition some could argue is an occupational hazard, is neglectful and unfair.”


https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/uk-covid-19-sick-pay-changes-neglectful-and-unfair-010722