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THOUSANDS of healthcare students on unpaid work placements should be covered by the NHS £60,000 lump-sum life insurance scheme if they die with Covid-19, Unite urged today.
The union pointed out that the rules of the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020 say that the only students it covers are those in “paid front-line roles” in England.
Unite understands that the estate of students who die could still apply for the payout, but the union wants written legal guarantees.
In a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Unite national officer for health Jackie Williams called for the scheme to be amended as “a matter of urgency.”
She said: “Our NHS staff are giving 100 per cent, but unfortunately more than 620 health and social-care staff have already died [with coronavirus].
“The least that the government can do is to close this loophole.”
Unite lead professional officer for mental health Dave Munday said: “All healthcare students deserve firm assurance, not only warm words.
“It would represent at least some financial security for their families if they make the ultimate sacrifice.”
