Coronavirus self-isolation a 'Sophie's Choice'

The government currently offers a £500 discretionary payment for low income workers who need to self-isolate.

The discretionary grant is open to employed and self-employed people in England, who do not qualify for the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment as they no not receive any benefits.

However, three quarters of applications for the discretionary grant are being rejected.

Trainee GP Dr Nishant Joshi told Newsnight low paid key workers come to him in tears facing a "Sophie's Choice" after testing positive for coronavirus.

You can watch Newsnight on BBC Two at 22:45 on weekdays. Catch up on iPlayer, subscribe to the programme on YouTube and follow it on Twitter.

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