SOCIAL care workers should not suffer financially for taking time off due to coronavirus.
That was the view on Health Minister Vaughan Gething at Tuesday's Welsh Government coronavirus briefing.
Mr Gething said care workers who have to self-isolate should get their sick pay topped-up, pointing out that many are low paid and receive only statutory sick pay.
Discussions are going on with unions and councils, as employers of many social care staff.
“This drop in income for doing the right thing is not only unfair, but is also increasing the risk of spreading the virus,” he said.
“It is forcing some to have to choose between self-isolating and paying the bills.
"My expectation is that we will top-up the wages of those taking time off because of coronavirus to 100 per cent of their normal wages.”
Mr Gething added that there is a wider UK issue on topping up the pay of lower paid workers and the Welsh Government is urging the UK Government to take action.
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