On Tuesday, 1 September, a new NHS Test and Trace self-isolation payment scheme for low paid workers will launch in Oldham.

The national scheme, running as a trial in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, means that eligible individuals who test positive with Coronavirus will receive £130 for the period they stay at home. Other eligible members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to a payment of £182.

Eligible non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will also be entitled to a payment of up to £182, tailored to the individual length of their isolation period.

The pilot is for low paid workers people who are unable to work from home while self-isolating, either after testing positive, or after being identified by NHS Test and Trace as living in the same household as – or coming into contact with – someone who has tested positive. 

It will only be available to people currently receiving either Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit; and is an additional payment on top of statutory sick pay.

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