ESA: Demand set to rise in light of 2nd lockdown – how to claim for the effects of COVID

On October 31, Boris Johnson announced a second lockdown would be introduced in England this month, forcing workers across the country to stay at home and potentially see their income affected.

As the Prime Minister detailed: “And so now is the time to take action because there is no alternative. From Thursday until the start of December, you must stay at home.

“You may only leave home for specific reasons, including: For education; For work, say if you cannot work from home; For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household or on your own with one person from another household; For medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm; To shop for food and essentials; And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

“I’m afraid non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed – though click and collect services can continue and essential shops will remain open, so there is no need to stock up. Pubs, bars, restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services.

“Workplaces should stay open where people can’t work from home – for example in the construction or manufacturing sectors.”