UNISON union has backed calls by Essex Labour councillors for poorly paid care workers to get full pay when they are suffering Covid or self-isolating. Photos: Pixabay A union leader says Essex County Council must ensure care workers “don’t face massive hardship if they feel unwell”. UNISON Eastern social care lead Caroline Hennessy has backed an open letter from Essex Labour group warned that care staff often face hard financial penalties if they contract Covid-19. Labour councillors set out how poorly paid care workers do not get full pay when they are suffering Covid or self-isolating to protect the very people they look after.
By Lewis Berrill @LewisBerrill Chief reporter - east London and west Essex
The infection rate in Epping Forest, once the worst affected part of England, is now below 500. Photos: PA Wire The rate of infection in Epping Forest has fallen below the 500 mark for the first time since December. At its peak in early January, the rate of infection had hit a whopping 1,400 new cases in seven days per 100,000 residents and was the highest in England. However, for the last two weeks that number has been falling drastically as the effects of the third national lockdown become apparent. Between January 14 -21 (the latest available accurate data) there were 566 newly confirmed infections in the district, a rate of infection of 429.8.
By Lewis Berrill @LewisBerrill Chief reporter - east London and west Essex
Essex residents are entitled to £500 to self isolate after a positive coronavirus test. Photos: ECC/Canva Essex residents will be paid £500 to self-isolate at home if they test positive for Covid-19. In an effort to reduce the spiralling rates of infection in Essex the County Council has announced a £3 million fund to ensure those who might not covered by Government funding schemes can also be compensated for self-isolating. Residents who test positive for Covid-19 could be entitled to a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment from the Government. However, many residents who have to self-isolate may be ineligible for the Government payment. It is these people this new fund aims to help.