Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth has urged the Government to introduce a support package for self-employed and zero-hour contact workers during the coronavirus lockdown.
Labour MP Mr Ashworth says many have 'no option' but to risk their health and others' by going to work during the lockdown, as self-employed and zero hour contract workers are not covered by the Government's furlough pay scheme, which pledges to meet 80% of wages for employees whose employers keep them on during the lockdown.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Ashworth said: "The Government need to put a stop to this, they're putting workers at risk.
Mr Ashworth called for an urgent support package to help the self-employed and zero-hour workers afford to stay at home and isolate themselves during the covid-19 pandemic.
He added: "Of course there are many self employed people and there are many people on zero hour contracts in the gig economy, who've got no option - at the moment - other than to go to work, because otherwise they're being asked to make a choice between their own financial hardship or their health."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will unveil a support package for the self-employed, ITV reports.
Mr Sunak has said drawing up the plans has been "incredibly complicated".
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons pledged his Government will do "whatever we can to support the self-employed, just as we are putting our arms around every single employed person in this country".
