Student Einars Darzins, who also works in a factory, feels the payment will act as an incentive to increase compliance.
Chloe Pulman, 18, wished the £500 payments had been available when she tested positive for Covid two months ago. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Einars, 22, said: ‘It’s a good idea but if someone loses their income for two weeks the payment may not be enough to cover the bills going out. If I had symptoms I would get tested anyway but I understand why someone may not do so if they can’t afford to miss out on earnings.’
While Sarah Cordell, 52, welcomed the proposed policy she feels the system could be open for abuse.