I spoke to East Midlands Today yesterday evening about the worrying news that 75% of people who have coronavirus symptoms aren’t self-isolating. 

Self-isolation is absolutely key to stopping the spread of Covid-19 – but the reality is, many people who are asked simply cannot afford to do so. Nearly 2 million workers in this country don’t receive any sick pay at all, and the government’s self-isolation payment scheme has run out in many places.

Studies in care homes have shown that where staff receive full sick pay, there are lower rates of infection in residents. The evidence is there – the Government must take action, increase the rate of sick pay, and make sure that nobody who is asked to self-isolate is out of pocket.