Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities struggling to get financial support in lockdown, charities say

‘I don’t think we managed to help everyone,’ Roma Support Group worker tells Zoe Tidman

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities have been struggling to access government financial support during coronavirus, charities have said (iStock)

Members of gypsy, Roma and traveller (GRT) communities have had trouble accessing government financial support during the coronavirus lockdown, charities have said.

A history of cash-in-hand work and a lack of IT skills are some reasons why applying for Universal Credit and help for self-employed workers has been difficult, a worker from Roma Support Group told The Independent.

Mihai Calin Bica claimed people have lost their jobs during the pandemic without being furloughed, and “many were not able to make applications for Universal Credit”.