FAMILIES of frontline NHS staff who die as a result of coronavirus will receive compensation via a special death in service scheme, Scotland's Finance Secretary has said.
Kate Forbes said the Scottish Government will shortly announce the details of the scheme, which applies to those employed by health boards, as well as bank staff and locum staff.
She told BBC Good Morning Scotland that relatives will receive a lump sum and survivor benefits.
Across the UK, more than 90 front-line NHS workers are confirmed to have died during the crisis.
READ MORE: Scottish NHS staff lead tributes to nurse who died of coronavirus
The UK Government has said families of NHS and social care staff who die as a result of the virus in England will receive a £60,000 payment.
Forbes said: "We're working with partners just now to finalise the scheme's terms and conditions, and we hope to publish further details on May 1."
Asked if this will be the £60,000 available south of the Border, she said: "It will make sure that it is tailored to Scottish staff and recognises the enormous work that's been put in by our frontline staff here in Scotland."
She added the UK Government's job retention scheme should be extended into July, while talks are ongoing about making sure it covers the oil and gas industry.
Forbes said: "I think it most certainly needs to be extended to the oil and gas industry but I cannot see a way in which the furlough scheme coming to an end in June will be enough for businesses that have been affected by the economic crisis."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel