Vicky Foxcroft – 2020 Comments on the End of the National Shielding Scheme

Comments made by Vicky Foxcroft, the Shadow Minister for Disabled People, on 31 July 2020.

While the Government claims it is optional, it has removed the support for 2.2 million people who have been shielding, including the national food parcel programme.

Issuing back to work notices without assurances on safety, and removing help will force many back into situations they do not feel safe in, placing them at risk.

Throughout this crisis, mixed messages and poor communication from Ministers have undermined the trust and confidence of shielding people and their families.

We urge the Government to publish the scientific advice it has received confirming it is safe for disabled and clinically vulnerable people to stop shielding, and to confirm how it will support those who cannot return to their workplace and how many people this affects.