The Disability Charities Consortium has sent an urgent letter to the Prime Minister today raising concerns about the impact of Omicron on the UK’s 14 million disabled people.
The letter calls for immediate action as the threat posed by the Omicron variant increases by the day, especially for people with disabilities. “We are issuing an urgent call to you directly to ensure disabled people and those at higher risk from Covid-19 are not forgotten,” urged members of the Disability Charities Consortium; which includes Business Disability Forum’s CEO Diane Lightfoot, Mencap’s CEO Edel Harris, Leonard Cheshire’s CEO Dr Ruth Owen OBE and Mind CEO Paul Farmer, amongst many others.
The letter highlights that disabled people, particularly those on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list, need to know what precautions they should be taking, yet this information is not available. At every stage of the pandemic disabled people have been disproportionately affected. Almost six in 10 of those who’ve died from Covid were disabled people, confirmed the Consortium. Last week, the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said that the Government was supporting those most at risk by encouraging people to get boosters and third doses if eligible, and said they were looking at antivirals. However, members of the Consortium feel this response falls far short of the action needed to support and protect those most at risk.
LACK OF GUIDANCE
The Consortium members are also concerned about the lack of guidance for people with disabilities, as cases of Omicrom surge. The Omicron variant emerged several weeks ago, and yet the guidance for disabled people who were previously on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list has not been updated since last month, confirmed the Consortium members. Worryingly, “the guidance does not mention the new variant; nor does it reflect the increased threat posed by the rapid spread of Omicron”.
“Disabled people, particularly those on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list, need to know what precautions they should be taking, and this information is not available,” said the Consortium members. “We urge you to bring forward new guidance aimed at those who were previously shielding as soon as possible; and to ensure that it is accessible to all.”
VACCINE BOOSTER CONCERNS
Members of the consortium are also concerned about the accessibility issues that disabled people face in getting a booster in the wider rollout. “We have had sight of a letter from the DHSC dated 17 December that encourages priority access for the clinically vulnerable including disabled people. We know that disabled people do not have the same flexibility for attending appointments as others; especially if relying on support from carers or personal assistants. Those who require facilities such as accessible parking and toilets face less choice in where they can get a booster. For many, walk-in centres are not an option due to long queues,” they pointed out.
“Whilst the latest letter is positive about queue management, we urge the government to monitor the take up of the booster amongst disabled people; and ensure all venues and information are accessible for disabled people across the country; and to give priority access to disabled people.”
SUPPORT TO STAY SAFE
“Two weeks ago, you advised people to work from home. However, we know for many people this is not an option. Analysis has shown disabled people are more likely to work in jobs which can’t be done from home,” the Consortium members added.
The lack of financial support and protections for disabled people who can’t work from home represents a gaping hole in Plan B. “With no furlough scheme, no shielding rights, and no updated guidance in place, many disabled workers who cannot work from home will now feel they have been left to fend for themselves. The government must urgently provide financial support and clear guidance for disabled people who cannot work from home,” advised the Consortium.
INSUFFICIENT SICK PAY
The current system and rate of Statutory Sick Pay at just £96.35 per week is simply not sufficient either, highlighted the Consortium. “Disabled people already face on average extra costs of £583 a month. The current energy crisis and enormous rise in inflation has made things far worse; both financially and for healthcare. Without a proper sick pay system that can cover basic living costs and flexibly accommodate urgent care needs, many disabled people will be extremely concerned about their situation if they are asked to isolate this winter,” the Consortium members concluded.
The members of the Disability Charities Consortium have urged the PM to provide a response to all the points raised above; and await swift action. The letter was signed by all the Consortium members, including:
- Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum (DCC Co-Chair)
- Mark Hodgkinson, CEO, Scope (DCC Co-Chair)
- Caroline Stevens, CEO, National Autistic Society
- Edel Harris, CEO, Mencap
- Mark Atkinson, CEO, Royal National Institute for Deaf People
- Matt Stringer, CEO, RNIB
- Paul Farmer, CEO, Mind
- Richard Kramer, CEO, Sense
- Dr Ruth Owen OBE, CEO, Leonard Cheshire
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