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Long Covid

Asked by Jo PlattLabour (Co-op)Department for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 6 February 2026UIN 109195

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will consider recognising Long Covid as an occupational disease.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

The Department is advised by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), an independent scientific body, on the changes to the list of occupational diseases for which Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be paid.

IIAC has published Command Papers on COVID-19 and its occupational impacts. The Department is considering the recommendations in these documents which can be accessed here: COVID-19 and Occupational Impacts - GOV.UK and Occupational Impact of COVID-19 in the Transport and Education Sectors - GOV.UK

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