Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

The Welsh Government recognises the importance of attraction, recruitment and retention of vital workers into social care. The WeCare.Wales campaign, commissioned and launched in March last year, attracted many thousands of new people to learn of the rewards that a social care career can bring.

Sharing information safely is a cornerstone of modern healthcare in Wales. Data in the NHS is protected, whether on paper or in a digital format. A new NHS Wales information governance statement has been issued in response to the extraordinary circumstances we face. The statement has been endorsed by the Information Commissioner's Office.

This financial year we have provided £2 million through the European transition fund to support resilience for emergency food organisations and promote food security. The coronavirus crisis presents new problems for food banks and we are currently considering how we can best support them.

The Welsh Government is working closely with the sector to secure the help needed. I welcome the undertakings from both local authorities and Community Housing Cymru that social tenants will not be evicted for financial hardship during the outbreak. I also welcome the advice of the Residential Landlords Association.

We work closely with the political and officer leadership in Welsh local government to assist them in the enormous effort local authorities are making to assist individuals and communities in the current crisis.

We are doing everything we can to protect businesses and jobs throughout Wales during this unprecedented time, including an extra £1.4 billion of financial support. 

We have made additional funding of up to £10 million available to local authorities to enable them to support those without a home so they can be protected, supported, and isolated if necessary during the crisis. This funding reflects the intensive support needed in the sector and the vulnerability of this group.

Due to these exceptional circumstances, on 18 March, the Minister for Education announced that the summer exam series would not go ahead. Learners due to sit their GCSEs and A-levels this summer will be awarded a fair grade to recognise their work, drawing on all available information.

The Minister for Health and Social Services issued written statements on 18 and 20 March on testing.

We recognise the incredibly difficult and uncertain circumstances that businesses are experiencing and are absolutely committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs. Following the initial package of £200 million support announced on 17 March, we have now extended this and will be providing almost £1.4 billion of support for businesses.

Our Live Fear Free helpline and website will continue to offer support 24/7 throughout the pandemic. We have been working closely with our national advisers and key partners to identify vulnerabilities, mitigations and contingencies to ensure victims and survivors are safe during these exceptional circumstances.