As Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Stephen has written to the Department for Work and Pensions on the implications of the current outbreak of coronavirus.
The letter asks about DWP’s involvement in the Government’s Coronavirus Action Plan and the support available to people required to self-isolate.
Stephen said: “Minimising the harm to society from coronavirus will require a cross-government approach. With its staff delivering services to thousands of people every day, DWP has a vital part to play.
To contain the spread of the virus, it’s imperative that the department takes a flexible approach to its rules and enables people to follow public health guidance - especially people who are at risk of sanctions, or those in low paid and insecure jobs who simply can’t afford to take time off.
This situation is rapidly evolving – DWP needs to be ready to adapt, to ensure that no one has to make the invidious choice between financial hardship and putting themselves and others at risk.”