To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the process by which independent health and social care workers, who worked during the qualifying period for the £500 recognition payment, can claim and access the payment if they are no longer employed by the same employer as during the qualifying period; and (ii) the redress for these workers if their previous employer does not respond to them.

On 28 January 2022 a letter was issued to all Independent Sector care home and domiciliary care providers registered with the RQIA, advising of Phase 2 of the Recognition Payment Process and inviting them to identify their qualifying former employees. The process being adopted is similar to the one used under Phase 1. The letter included details of eligibility criteria and how the employer should claim on behalf of their former staff.

Once a claim has been verified by the Business Services Organisation (BSO), payments will be made to each provider in advance of them making payment to their former staff.

Where staff worked for an independent care provider during the qualifying period, whether for the full qualifying period or in part, it is that provider’s responsibility to ensure a claim is submitted and they make subsequent arrangements to pass this payment on to the relevant individual.

In recognition of the administrative process involved in identifying and providing former staff details, a fee of £12.60 per individual is available to each provider.

Employers are required to complete and submit claims and relevant documentation, no later than 5th March 2022. BSO will expedite payments as quickly as possible following receipt of a properly constituted and verified claim however, due to other pressures within BSO relating to the end of the financial year, there may be slight delays in turnaround times. It is therefore extremely important that the former employer provides the correct information and documentation to support the efficient payment process. Likewise it is expected that the former employer will make arrangements to pay staff as soon as possible after the payment is received from BSO.

Where we are made aware of employers who are not engaging, officials will make direct contact with these providers and potentially follow this up with formal correspondence from the Department if considered appropriate.

Unfortunately we have little by way of enforcement options and we may ultimately have to advise former independent care staff to seek redress through the Labour Relations Agency. It is however hoped that there would be sufficient pressure applied through Departmental engagement to persuade any reluctant employer to engage.

I remain committed to ensuring that all possible actions are taken and options explored to allow independent care staff who qualify under the eligibility criteria to receive the recognition payment as soon as practicable.