Wales increase self-isolation support scheme from £500 to £750

The Welsh Government’s self-isolation support scheme will be increased from £500 to £750 following changes to the policy on self-isolation, it has been announced.

The increase in the payment, which comes into effect from Saturday (August 7), is designed to breakdown some of the financial barriers faced by people who are told to isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service because they have tested positive, have symptoms of coronavirus or are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated.

The payment scheme, which has been extended until March 2022, was created to help support those who cannot work from home as well as parents and carers with children who have tested positive and are self-isolating.

Since launch the discretionary element has evolved to include those earning up to £500 a week. The increase in payment intends to compensate anyone earning up to the personal income threshold with their loss of earnings over the 10-day isolation period.

The Welsh Government has also released this Retail Action Card to advise retail business owners and their staff.