Bereavement scheme to NHS support staff extended

The bereavement scheme has been extended to the families and dependants of NHS support staff and social care workers who die as a result of contracting coronavirus.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said that the Home Office is extending the offer of indefinite leave to remain, free of charge, to the families and dependants of NHS support staff and social care workers who die as result of contracting coronavirus, effective immediately and retrospectively.

Initially launched in April for health workers in the NHS and independent health and care sector, following mass criticism, the bereavement scheme will now extend to NHS support staff and social care workers.

Patel said: “Every death in this crisis is a tragedy, and sadly some NHS support staff and social care workers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of saving the lives of others. When I announced the introduction of the bereavement scheme in April, I said we would continue to work across government to look at ways to offer further support. Today we are extending the scheme to NHS support staff and social care workers. We want to ensure families have the support they need and so this will be effective immediately and retrospectively.”