SHIELDING employees across the country will no longer be entitled to statutory sick pay from August.

Relaxed measures state that people with severe underlying health conditions will be able to return to work as long as it is 'coronavirus secure'.

However, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran urged the government to not scrap the the benefit.

Responding to the announcement made on Monday by Matt Hancock the Liberal Democrat leadership candidate called for the help to be extended for those still unable to return to work.

The MP said: "Instead of feeling a sense of relief, those that are shielding who rely on statutory sick pay will be feeling a sense of unease.

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"They are now faced with the threat of having the rug being pulled from beneath their feet.

"The Government must ensure that it continues beyond August 1 so that those reliant on it do not have to risk their own lives just to make ends meet."

Regulations meant that those shielding were entitled to extra services, such as free food and essentials boxes, which will also be scrapped at the end of July.

They could also claim statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week if they were employed and earned an average of at least £120 per week.