U.K. to Pay People on Low Incomes If Isolating Due to Covid

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The U.K. government said it will pay workers on low incomes 13 pounds ($17) a day if they are self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic, triggering a backlash from trade unions and council leaders who argue the amount is too little to make a difference. The payments begin on a trial basis from Sept. 1 in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, areas of northwest England currently with additional social distancing-rules in place to contain local Covid-19 outbreaks, the Department for Health said. It’s set at the level of statutory sick pay. Those who test positive will receive 130 pounds for a 10-day quarantine period, and those required to self-isolate for two weeks because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive will receive 182 pounds, according to the department. The new financial assistance will only be made available to workers who are unable to carry out their jobs from home and who are already receiving either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit income support.

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