Friday 29th May 2020
This week, an announcement by the Home Office revealed that the Bereavement Scheme was being extended to provide indefinite leave for families and dependants of social care workers and NHS support staff who sadly die due to the corona virus.
The scheme was initially launched in April and provided the indefinite leave support for health care workers in the NHS and those in the private health and care sector. However, the extension announced this week which encompasses even more workers is said to recognise their “tireless dedication and selflessness.”
Priti Patel, Home Secretary, said:
“Every death in this crisis is a tragedy, and sadly some NHS support staff, and social care workers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of saving the lives of others.
“When I announced the introduction of the bereavement scheme in April, I said we would continue to work across government to look at ways to offer further support. Today we are extending the scheme to NHS support staff and social care workers.
“We want to ensure families have the support they need and so this will be effective immediately and retrospectively.”
Further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-office-extends-bereavement-scheme-to-nhs-support-staff-and-social-care-workers