The Scottish Government has agreed to a one-off death in service payment for survivors of social care staff who have died as a result of the coronavirus.
Following the announcement that the families of frontline NHS staff who die as a result of Covid-19 would receive financial support, UNISON and other trade unions have secured a similar deal for social care staff.
The one-off payment of £60,000 will go to the named survivor as a death in service payment for social care staff.
It has also been agreed that for Statutory Sick Pay, an enhancement will be paid to staff through the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said that the current sick pay arrangement leaves carers facing an exceptionally difficult choice between 'protecting their own health and that of those they care for and a significant and unsustainable financial reduction'.
She added: "In the current circumstances, my focus now is on fairness for the care workers affected."
Work on finalising the arrangements will be carried out next week.
Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish secretary said: "Death in service payments and a statutory sick pay enhancement are welcome. Both have been secured through trade union pressure, led by UNISON.
"The fact that social care workers often have their weekly income reduced to statutory sick pay is immoral and left care workers with exceptionally difficult choice between protecting they own health, protecting those they care for or putting them and their families in a very difficult financial situation.
"Over the next week, UNISON will continue to do the detailed work with government and others to ensure there is an equitable approach taken by all health and social care partnerships. However, the fact we now have an agreement is hugely encouraging."
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