GMB Union calls on Ministers to think again
The Government is pinching covid-19 bonuses given to the poorest key workers by reducing their Universal Credit, GMB can reveal.
Many retail staff, carers and other low-paid key workers have been rewarded with extra cash to say thank you for their work during the pandemic.
But rather than allow them to keep the money, the Government has reduced their in-work Universal Credit payments – meaning some of their bonus ends up in Treasury coffers.
When questioned in Parliament yesterday Will Quince, Work and Pensioners Minister, confirmed ‘bonuses are earnings for all workers and are treated in the same way as any other earnings.’
Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, said:
“To pinch money from the pockets of the low-paid key workers who’ve kept our country going through this pandemic is lower than a snake’s belly.
“This Government has repeatedly shown they’re happy to clap for carers, but when it comes to the crunch they don’t care.
“GMB calls on Ministers to think again and let our key workers keep their covid-19 bonuses.”
