Support for nurses during COVID-19
What support is available to you during this time
We know that our nurses are worried about having to self-isolate or becoming ill as a result of COVID-19, or even being out of work to care for loved ones who have contracted COVID-19 and the financial impact this will have. We have put some information together to help you identify what support is available to you during this time.
Statutory sick pay (SSP) to be paid from day one of isolation
Emergency legislation has been introduced to allow workers in full-time employment to seek SSP from the first day they’re self-isolating and cannot work, directly as a result of COVID-19. Read more here.
Employment and Support Allowance
Anyone not eligible to receive sick pay, including those earning less than an average of £118 per week, some of those working in the gig economy, or self-employed people, is able to claim Universal Credit and or contributory Employment and Support Allowance. Read more here.
Mortgage holiday for homeowners affected by Covid-19
The government announced that individuals who were financially affected by COVID-19 can apply to their mortgage lender for a mortgage holiday. Read more here.
Payment Holidays for Help to Buy homeowners affected by Covid-19
Homeowners who are struggling to pay interest fees on their Help to Buy equity loans will be offered payment holidays. Read more here.
Complete ban on evictions and additional protection for renters
Emergency legislation has been introduced to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation. Landlords will also be protected as 3 month mortgage payment holiday is extended to Buy to Let mortgages. Read more here.
Cavell Nurses’ Trust
Financial and emotional support is available to nursing professionals, both working and retired, from our friends at the Cavell Nurses’ Trust. Sadly, their telephone service isn’t available at the moment but you can still complete a financial support application online or email admin@cavellnursestrust.org if you’d rather speak to someone.
Find out if there are other options available to you by visiting the government website here.
Questions on Furloughing
Enrolment to the Government’s Furlough scheme has now closed.
I’m able to work but cannot find a suitable shift
We appreciate how frustrating it can be when you’re available to work but cannot find a suitable shift. Spring is typically a quiet time for agency workers, which has only been intensified by the reduction in core NHS services due to COVID-19. Whilst we understand the financial impact this will have on you, sadly we’re unable to provide any financial support to agency nurses who are unable to work because they cannot find suitable shifts. Our COVID-19 financial support scheme is for nurses who are temporarily unable to work for reasons such as self-isolating. Remember, there may not be shifts in your particular speciality, but we are busy in other areas. Lots of clients are willing to take on agency workers who have transferable skills. If you’re keen to work but cannot find your usual shifts, please keep your availabilities up to date and search for these shifts on Quick Nurse. Alternatively, give us a call and we’ll try to place you elsewhere. Remember, we have work opportunities across the UK so if you’re prepared to travel, then we can help you find work.
Follow our blog
Stay up to date with our latest COVID-19 support and advice through our blog. We’ve got plenty of information to support you and your loved ones. Everything from looking after your mental health, keep the kids entertained, as well as travel and accommodation guidance if you’re planning on working away. Stay tuned here.