To ask the Minister of Health (i) how independent health and social care workers who worked in connection with an organisation during the qualifying period, but who are no longer connected with that organisation, will be paid their £500 recognition payment; (ii) whether a separate application process will be set up for people in this, or a similar, situation; and (iii) to detail the verification process by which the recognition payments can be confirmed as having reached eligible workers.

Due to the transient nature of staff employed in the independent sector, some people may have moved to another employer for any number of reasons, including a job in a new sector.

The mechanism for administering the special recognition payments in these circumstances is currently being considered and will be included in the second phase of this process.

Details of Phase 2 will be communicated shortly to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA.

Post validation checks will be undertaken on a sample of suppliers which will include seeking payroll evidence to demonstrate the person was paid.

A revised FAQ on the special recognition payment has been published on the Department’s website and is available via the following link;

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/hsc-staff-recognition-payment-faqs