Low income workers who lost earnings when they self-isolated after contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19) have received awards totalling almost £73 million.

The temporary Self-Isolation Support Grant is the longest running scheme of its kind in the UK. It helps those earning less than the Real Living Wage, around £1,771.25 per month, if they cannot go to work following their positive PCR test or someone they care for has a positive PCR test.

From October 2020 until October 2022 the scheme made more than 150,000 awards but will close to new applicants on 5 January 2023 as most people now no longer need to take a COVID-19 test. To prevent the spread of infection, people should try to stay at home if they feel unwell.

Alternative financial support will continue to be available, depending on individual circumstances, through Crisis Grants through the Scottish Welfare Fund, alteration to Universal Credit rates and Statutory Sick Pay for absences lasting longer than three days. More information can be found here: Scottish Welfare Fund - help with living costs - mygov.scot

Christina McKelvie MSP, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, commented:

“The Self-Isolation Support Grant has provided vital help for my constituents that would find it impossible due to their financial circumstances to follow the health guidance to stay at home if unwell.

“I know that the Scottish government will continue to consider further measures to support those in high-risk categories, and this is a message I wish to stress to my constituents. If help is needed, help will be available, be it through Crisis Grants through the Scottish Welfare Fund, or via other key welfare services that the government provide, such as Statutory Sick Pay.

“I am pleased that here in Scotland, the Self-Isolation Support Grant has lasted almost a year longer than the scheme provided by the UK government. The Scottish government operates with compassion and empathy, whereas the UK government bluster their way through the day without a care for who they let down.”