Running late to act

Coronavirus restrictions in England have today been eased further. Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of Community, says:

“The approach the Prime Minister is continuing with is a reckless one. Like many people, we want to see the pandemic restrictions end. However, this must be done in a way that is safe. The government’s approach is irresponsible, and puts lives at risk.

The removal of all legal mask requirements from today puts employers in an impossible situation, stuck between risking their employees’ safety and coming into conflict with customers.

The low paid, the young, the vulnerable and those in insecure work will bear the brunt of the lifting of requirements to wear masks and work from home.

With more mass and close contact gatherings permitted, it is imperative that those who are sick are able to stay at home and isolate. Missing from government strategy is any increase in sick pay, and the crucial extension of sick pay to the self-employed.

With the U.K’s sick pay currently being amongst the lowest in Europe, this simply isn’t enough. With the higher number of people having to self-isolate, we are currently absent a plan to deal with mass disruption in manufacturing and haulage.

If we’re to keep control of this virus, as well as protect our workers and the economy, the government is already running late to act.”

If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.