AN MP has called for more support for transport workers and their families during the coronavirus.

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, has written a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme to transport workers.

This scheme ensures that if an NHS or social care worker dies from coronavirus their family will receive £60,000.

This does not cover transport workers, who are more vulnerable to the virus than care home workers, according to the ONS.

She wants the scheme to cover families of transport workers who die while doing their job and for more protection for these workers.

In the letter, Ms Qureshi states: “The families of transport workers are not afforded this comfort, despite them being the backbone of this country.

“They have kept the country moving throughout the crisis, but in doing so have been in harm's way.

“It is therefore imperative that we do all we can to help keep them safe and able to continue their vital duties.”