Front-line health and care employees in England will be covered by a life assurance scheme that financially benefits their family if they die due to Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
On 27 April 2020, the government announced bereaved family members will receive £60,000, totaling approximately double the average pensionable pay for NHS employees.
The government has introduced the scheme to acknowledge the increased risk faced by employees on the front-line during the crisis and will be available to the next of kin for any employees who die of Coronavirus.
All full-time, part-time and temporary employees who are providing hands-on personal care for people who have contracted Coronavirus or work in health or care settings where the virus is present, are eligible. This includes general practitioners, dentists, retired staff, second and final year students, social care staff, employed carers, personal assistants, and front-line child and family social employees.
Matt Hancock, health and social care secretary, said: “Nothing can make up for the tragic loss of a loved one during this pandemic. We owe a huge debt to those who die in service to our nation and are doing everything we can to protect them.
“Financial worries should be the last thing on the minds of their families so in recognition of these unprecedented circumstances we are expanding financial protection to NHS and social care employees delivering publicly funded care on the front-line.
“We will continue to strive night and day to provide them with the support and protection they need and deserve to keep them safe as they work tirelessly to save lives.”
