More than 100,000 people have backed a petition demanding a return of Covid sick pay in the NHS.
Despite hospitals facing a surge in cases in winter, the Government axed enhanced Covid-related sick pay in July, along with leave for self-isolation and free staff lateral flow tests.
Maria Esslinger-Raven, a hospital midwife suffering from long Covid, started the appeal on Change.org.
The 25-year-old wrote: “I struggle with basic household jobs and cannot work.
“Covid sick pay from the NHS would mean the chance to recover. Without it, we’ll be forced back when we’re not ready or be plunged into poverty.”
Any absences now are covered by annual sickness leave allowance and standard contractual sick pay.
One hospital porter with long Covid said his pay is down £300 a month as a result while he is off sick.
The 61-year-old from the North West, who asked not to be named, said: “They have no idea of the impact this is having.”
Long Covid has hit two million, Office for National Statistics polling found.
Around 90 specialist Long Covid clinics have been set up in England to tackle what experts fear will be a lasting health legacy of the pandemic.
Some suffers are still unable to return to work with the most common symptoms including loss of smell, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog.
NHS England has unveiled an ambition to get patients a Long Covid assessment within six weeks of being referred by their GP.
Currently only 33% of patients are being seen within this timeframe.
