Expert blog: The impact of financial support on self-isolation - giving evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry
Associate Professor Richard Machin, an expert on social welfare and social security, recently presented a report and evidence to the independent public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Richard Machin | Published on 5 June 2025
Categories: Press office; Research; School of Social Sciences;
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry, chaired by Baroness Hallet, began in 2023 with three key purposes: examining the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it had across the UK; learning lessons to improve preparedness for future pandemics; and providing accountability for decisions made by public officials and institutions.
As an expert on social policy and social welfare, it was a privilege to be asked to give evidence to the seventh module which focuses on the approach to testing, tracing and isolation adopted during the pandemic.
My report analyses the effectiveness of financial assistance provided across the four nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) to support and encourage self-isolation.
It details the clear links between the ability to self-isolate and financial status, particularly for marginalised groups such as people engaged in precarious work, women, younger people, and ethnic minority groups.
Financial hardship was a significant barrier to self-isolation adherence, particularly for low-income individuals and those unable to work from home. My report provides analysis of the self-isolation payment schemes introduced in 2020.
Recommendations included making improvements to administrative processes, ensuring timely payments, consistency across all four nations and clear and accessible public communications.
It suggests payments should be delivered through an earnings-replacement model, like the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) or the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
Administration should be simplified, with centralised systems, automatic referrals for non-financial support, clear eligibility criteria, and prompt payments. Promotion of available schemes should be prioritised.
Support should be holistic, combining financial help with practical aid like food and medicine delivery, and emotional support. Close collaboration between central and local government and the voluntary and community sector is essential.
The report also calls for mandatory equality impact assessments for all future self-isolation payment schemes to ensure fair and equitable policy.
Finally, it recommends reforming Statutory Sick Pay - removing earnings thresholds and delays, and aligning it with the real living wage - as well as changes to Universal Credit and disability benefits to better support self-isolation.
I completed the report in consultation with a wide range of Inquiry core participants including government departments, trade unions and charities. I’m pleased that it has been recognised by the Inquiry and will form an important element in future pandemic preparedness.
Richard Machin, Associate Professor in Social Policy, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University.
You can see Richard’s presentation on the Inquiry’s YouTube channel