Families of NHS and care heroes killed in coronavirus line of duty will get £60,000 payout in Armed Forces-style life assurance policy
- Health Secretary made the announcement at Downing Street press conference
- He revealed 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff died so far from coronavirus
- He told the public: ‘We want to do everything we can to support families dealing with this grief’
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Families of medics who tragically lost their own lives to coronavirus after bravely trying to save others will receive a £60,000 life assurance payout, Matt Hancock revealed tonight.
The Health and Social Care Secretary made the announcement as he fronted the daily Downing Street press conference to reveal 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff had died so far.
The payout has echoed of lump sums paid to the families of military personnel who are killed while fighting for the nation.
Mr Hancock said: ‘I feel a deep personal sense of duty that we must care for their loved ones.
‘Today, I am able to announce that the Government is setting up a life assurance scheme for NHS and social care frontline colleagues.
‘Families of staff who die from coronavirus in the course of their essential frontline work will receive a £60,000 payment.
‘Of course, nothing replaces the loss of a loved one but we want to do everything we can to support families who are dealing with this grief.’
The Health and Social Care Secretary made the announcement as he fronted the daily Downing Street press conference to reveal 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff had died so far.
The move comes the day before the nation is expected to fall silent in tribute to key workers who have died in the pandemic.
Boris Johnson, who battled the illness himself, including a spell in intensive care, will observe the minute’s silence on Tuesday at 11am.
Government workers will be asked to take part and the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it is hoped others will participate ‘nationwide’.
Mr Hancock added that the Government was looking at other frontline professions who did not have access to a life assurance scheme.
He said: ‘As a Government, we are looking closely at other professions that work on the front line against coronavirus, who also do not have access to such schemes, to see where this may be required.’