A group of care sector representative bodies has written to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnston calling for furloughed workers to be allowed to get paid employment in the sector without financial penalty amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The group, which includes Care England, Scottish Care and Care Forum Wales, has asked for legislative changes to allow paid employment in the sector even if they are currently furloughed in other industries and receiving 80% of their salary.
The group said legislation is necessary to help cover the increased demand on services and staff shortages caused by sickness and self‐isolation during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The group has the support of the Independent Health and Care Providers, which is also asking for furloughed workers to receive their 80% payment to work in the NHS and get paid with no penalty.
“What we need is for government to urgently change legislation so that people who have been furloughed from other sectors can move seamlessly into social care roles to help us in meeting the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Care England chief executive Professor Martin Green.
“We ask that an amendment is added to allow the NHS and social care providers, in homes or in community, to provide paid employment to staff furloughed from other industries,” he added.
Green said: “This action would have a significant positive impact on our staffing and our ability to maintain the high level of care we currently provide.
“It would help us support our existing workforce’s health and wellbeing and provide cover for the inevitable loss of staff to sickness and self‐isolation.”
