Government extends bereavement scheme to NHS support staff after criticism
Families and dependants of migrant NHS support staff who die as a result of contracting coronavirus will be granted indefinite leave to remain, the Government has announced.
It follows criticism that care workers, cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme, which only applied to certain occupations including nurses, biochemists and radiographers.
The extension of the scheme – which was originally announced last month – to include cleaners, porters, social care staff and care home workers will be effective immediately and retrospectively, the Home Office confirmed.
We are extending the bereavement scheme to NHS support staff & social care workers – effective immediately and retrospectively.
This is a very complex issue we have been working through at pace.
Rest assured, all families will have the support they need during this tragic time.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) May 20, 2020
Home Secretary Priti Patel 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.”
