www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/dwp-urge-coronavirus-hit-benefit-21617489
Benefit chiefs have urged any Coronavirus-hit welfare claimants to contact their Jobcentre to avoid being sanctioned.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) today insisted none of those directly affected by the global outbreak will have their benefits stopped.
However, DWP staff must know about the situation. They must also deem that claimants had a good reason for missing an interview or a work appointment
It is thought this will be judged in terms of whether or not claimants are following official public health advice on when to self-isolate
Currently, NHS advice states people only need to self-isolate "if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional."
A DWP spokeswoman said: "Our staff are ready to support people if they are affected – we urge them to contact us by phone, or their Work Coach via their online journal, to explain their situation.
"Anyone not eligible to receive sick pay is able to claim Universal Credit and/or contributory Employment and Support Allowance."
A memo to Jobcentres seen by Sky News helps explain to DWP staff how to cope with the outbreak.
It says there is "no change to the normal arrangements", and claimants cannot simply fail to attend because they are afraid of interacting with other people
The advice says: "If a customer does not attend a scheduled meeting, for example, the normal 'failed to attend' arrangements will apply
It adds: "Government advice is 'business as usual' and we should not change our customer services whilst the level of risk remains as it is now.
"This will be kept under review."
It came as MPs demanded an emergency law tonight to stop Coronavirus leaving thousands of zero-hour workers penniless
Statutory Sick Pay, worth £94.25 per week, is available to zero-hour workers but only covers those on more than £118 a week - after they've been ill for four days