A pledge of cash benefits for bereaved families of health workers has gained mixed reactions from medical organisations.

Doctors’ groups pointed out the government was offering a single lump sum rather than a pension for those affected – and that it was unclear who would receive them. Nursing unions however welcomed the payments, promised at £60,000.

The government said they would be available to staff working on the “front-line” of the pandemic response, raising questions about whether they would be available to staff who might be infected by contact with asymptomatic patients. Claims will be lodged by employers and verified by the NHS Business Services Authority – and will be handled “swiftly and sensitively,” the government promised. Cash is being awarded to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to run similar schemes.

The British Medical Association, which had stepped up pressure for death in services benefits at the weekend, said the promise would leave families “bereft” of long-term financial security.

Its pension committee chair Dr Vishal Sharma said: “Whilst this single payment may seem a sizeable sum, it comes nowhere near compensating families for the lifetime income their loved one may have earned if they hadn’t died prematurely, fighting this crisis on the frontline. This is particularly true for young or recently qualified staff. Increasing numbers of families are dealing with the loss of a loved one as the death toll for front line workers rises, they should not also face a future without financial security. The BMA will be examining closely the detail of the Government’s life assurance scheme.”

Doctors’ Association chair Dr Rinesh Parmar said: “Matt Hancock delivered a further kick in the teeth to many grieving families of NHS and social care staff who have sadly died in the line of duty. He was successful in delivering a political sound bite in place of a policy that would adequately safeguard the dependents who dedicated frontline staff leave behind.”

NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer said: “Unfortunately not all employers are member of the NHS Pension Scheme and employers have been requesting for some time now that something is instigated nationally to provide life assurance cover during the outbreak. For those team members who are rightly able to access this scheme, this step by the government is enormously welcome, and is an important recognition of the selfless service of the NHS workforce in this present time.”

Jon Skewes, from the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The securement of this payment on top of existing pension entitlements is real recognition of the risk RCM members and all other frontline staff face during this pandemic payment. This payment will be on top of existing pension entitlements and importantly the agreement covers all those working in the period of two weeks before symptoms began. It also includes those who have returned to service and students who have come into service early to help the NHS cope with this deadly disease.”

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “We owe a huge debt to those who die in service to our nation and are doing everything we can to protect them. Financial worries should be the last thing on the minds of their families so in recognition of these unprecedented circumstances we are expanding financial protection to NHS and social care workers delivering publicly funded care on the frontline. We will continue to strive night and day to provide them with the support and protection they need and deserve to keep them safe as they work tirelessly to save lives.”