The Government’s shielding programme stops from August – leaving vulnerable people without a ‘vital lifeline’, campaigners warned.
Some cancer patients face a “cliff edge” of choosing between their health and finances as ‘shielding’ draws to a close, a charity has warned.
Macmillan Cancer Support said the programme, where people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable were asked to stay at home, has been a “vital lifeline”.
But it has been “paused” from August 1, and two weeks later in Wales, with many people forced to return to work despite the continued risk from coronavirus.
Those without jobs also face losing the support from the national shielding service which provided free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care.
A survey conducted by the charity found that many cancer patients were fearful of returning to workplaces, with 42% saying they feel it is currently unsafe for them to work outside of their home.
One in three (36%) people with cancer in work said that Covid-19 had affected their finances, with some saying they have been left struggling to pay their bills.
The Government has been urged to extend the furlough scheme to help people classed as clinically vulnerable – but has so far refused.
Lynda Thomas, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “The measures put in place by governments during the coronavirus pandemic for those shielding has been a vital lifeline for many over the last four months.
“It is critical that this safety net doesn’t just disappear. We need clarity around how people with cancer will be supported and kept safe as the world starts to return to normal. Cancer must not become the ‘forgotten C’ in this pandemic.
“It is critical that we allow them to step back from the cliff edge of having to choose between protecting their health or staying in work and paying their bills”.
Unions warned there were other serious concerns with the plans including over a lack of assessments to make sure extra protections are put in place for vulnerable workers.
Many are also worried about disciplinary procedures facing those who do not feel safe to go back and plans for a structured return to the office if they do return.
There are fears over unscrupulous bosses who may brush aside safety measures – putting workers at even greater risk.138212091369
Unite’s Gail Cartmail said: “The world of work has fundamentally changed since March and as we ease back into the workplace, we need to pay special attention to the concerns of those who have been ‘shielding’ these last five months.
“There is an arbitrary ring to the 1 August date and we question whether ministers have thought through all the implications as thousands of ‘shielding’ workers gingerly return to their place of employment.
This cliff edge date takes no account of bad bosses and risks plunging extremely vulnerable people into the Hobson’s choice of no income or being put at risk by what is a deadly virus that has already claimed more than 45,000 lives in the UK.”
