Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has demanded action from the Scottish Government to support those forced to self-isolate as thousands miss out on vital support payments.

Statistics published last week revealed that, as of November 2020, fewer than a third of all applications for the self-isolation support grant were successful, with fewer than 2,000 people receiving the £500 payment between October and November 2020 despite almost 7,000 applications.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“It is simply unacceptable that so many people are missing out on this vital payment.

“It is essential that all who need to self-isolate are supported to do so: we cannot have public health measures undermined due to people being forced to flout regulations as a result of a lack of financial support.

“While it is welcome that the eligibility criteria have been extended, the Scottish Government must get to grips with the support scheme and take action to prevent so many people missing out.

“Today I have called on the Scottish Government to ensure that all workers are paid properly to self-isolate. Failure to do so risks allowing the pandemic to continue unabated and will only increase pressure on the NHS.”