Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
I have agreed to establish a special scheme that provides financial support of £60,000 to eligible beneficiaries of frontline staff, particularly those working in the NHS and Social Care, should they die in service as a result of being affected by COVID-19.
The scheme will see eligible beneficiaries receive a one off sum of £60,000 and will apply particularly to those working in frontline roles and locations where personal care is provided to individuals who may have contracted COVID-19.
Our frontline workers are being asked to go above and beyond to deliver care and services for patients and individuals and this scheme goes some way to offer greater peace of mind and financial security for their loved ones.
The scheme is non-contributory and there are no additional costs to employers. The Scheme will provide a one off sum to an eligible beneficiary of £60,000, regardless of the individual’s salary.
It provides a safety net for eligible staff who deliver frontline services who may be ineligible to join the Pension Scheme or have decided not to because of affordability. For the majority of staff who are members of the Pension Scheme, it provides an extra level of financial protection in addition to cover they have bought through the pension scheme. The scheme also supports some of our lowest paid staff by offering a lump sum regardless of their current salary levels
The Scheme will be time-limited, providing cover for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and will retrospectively apply from the 25th March.
Through our enhanced social partnership arrangements will we work together with our key partners on the detail of the scheme and how it will apply in operation Wales.