UNISON Scotland has today (Tuesday) launched a guide for health and social care members who have concerns over how the £500 one-off payment may affect their benefits or tax credits.
The Scottish Government announced the £500 ‘bonus’ payment in November as a thank you to health and social care staff in recognition of their contribution during the pandemic.
The guide, which has been produced in conjunction with the Child Poverty Action Group, outlines the interaction between the bonus and the benefits system to enable members to make an informed choice.
Tom Waterson, chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee, said: “Low pay across the NHS and social care is still a massive issue and many members rely on benefits and tax credits to make ends meet.
“There has been a lot of misinformation around the £500 payment and many of our members rightly had concerns over how this might affect their income.
“By publishing this guide, UNISON – Scotland’s largest union for health and social care workers – is able to provide members with the clarity they need in order to claim the one-off payment in the most cost-effective way for them.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
UNISON is Scotland’s largest union and the union for NHS and social care workers.
You can view the guide here https://www.unison-scotland.org/cpag-guidance-on-benefits-and-500-bonus/
For further information contact:
Tom Waterson, chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee, on 07753 627 575
Willie Duffy, UNISON Scotland head of health, on 07904 342 129