BRADFORD Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe has called on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to provide financial support for low paid workers if they have to self-isolate due to Covid-19.

It comes amid concerns that some people on zero hours contracts may face the choice of having to choose between self isolating and earning a wage.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “It’s been a heroic effort by staff on the frontline, across many different sectors, who have kept working to provide vital services for others right through this time of public health emergency.

Low-paid workers more likely to have lost jobs since crisis began – study

"They have been looking after us on the frontline and they have been absolutely key to this district’s effort in saving lives and keeping services running. Many employees who live in the district do not work from home. Health and social care, retail, transport, hospitality and manufacturing have all been operating to different degrees during the lockdown.

“What we can’t have is these workers having to choose between their livelihoods and their health.

"If someone gets Covid-19, it’s only right that whatever their employment status they must be supported to self-isolate and recover their health without being put out of pocket.

"If someone is on low pay and a zero hours contract and they and their family have to self-isolate for 14 days, they could become destitute as a result.

"This is simply not acceptable and I’m therefore asking for finance to be put in place as a safety net for these workers. I’ve already made this request of the Department of Health and I am now repeating the call to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to include this in his economic statement tomorrow (8th July).

"The Government must ensure that all workers, including those on low pay or zero hours contracts, are given protections and financial support should they fall ill.”