Care workers will be guaranteed sick pay in line with the Scottish Government Fair Work principles, the health secretary has said today. 

Jeane Freeman emphasised during the daily coronavirus briefing that social care workers' "valuable" role has never been more apparent. 

Ms Freeman said: "It is not acceptable for any social care worker to be faced with the impossible situation of testing positive for the virus knowing that their weekly income will reduce to only the level of Statutory Sick Pay."

The Scottish Government will ensure these key workers receive better levels of sick pay.

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The announcement comes as the total number of recorded coronavirus cases in Scotland has hit 15,101. 

In the Greater Glasgow area, 11 cases of the novel coronavirus were recorded in the past 24 hours taking the total up to 3876.

The number of patients with confirmed Covid-19 receiving treatment in hospitals across the health board has not changed, remaining at 379. 

However, patients in intensive care units decreased by one, totalling 12 at midnight on Saturday. 

Across Scotland, sadly another nine people have died. The death toll is now at 2,270. 

Where any social care worker dies without death in service cover in their contracted pension arrangements, the Scottish Government also plans to provide a one-off payment of £60,000 to a named survivor. 

Ms Freeman said: “While some employers offer employment contracts closer to the Scottish Government’s fair work principles, it is clear that others do not.

"In recognition of the current exceptional circumstances and in order to ensure that social care workers are given the urgent support they deserve, we will develop a Scottish Government funded scheme for care workers in respect of sick pay and death in service benefits."

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The government will work with local authorities, social care providers and trade unions over the course of next week to ensure these fair benefits for care workers. 

The health secretary added: "Our aim is clear, this Scottish Government will provide fair benefits for care workers. 

"They have continually shown in recent weeks how vital their work is and we must help them as they provide help to those who need it."