London, July 23, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Unions have attacked the Government for the “mess” facing industry amid criticism of the way ministers are dealing with the shortage of workers crisis.
The TUC said if workers are being told not to self-isolate, they need to know that their workplaces are Covid-secure.
General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The Government has got into this mess by failing to consult unions and employers in advance of reopening the economy.
“Ministers must replace the current inadequate back-to-work guidance with legally binding rules on face coverings and enforce the law on workplace safety properly.
“And they must bring back free workplace testing and ensure there is decent sick pay for all.
“Many staff working in sectors like hospitality don’t earn enough to quality for even statutory sick pay. It beggars belief that ministers are refusing to fix this.
“The Government needs to be clear about who it classes as critical workers. The current proposals don’t reflect the real world because businesses don’t exist in isolation – they are part of complex supply chains.”
A GMB spokesman said: “The problem isn’t workers getting pinged, the problem is workers getting coronavirus.
“If ministers and employers are serious about protecting workers and the economy then they must put in place full sick pay, proper PPE, and safe workplaces in consultation with unions.”
Unite’s national officer for drivers and warehouse staff Matt Draper said: “Our members are sick and tired to the Government’s piecemeal approach to resolving the problems in the sector.
“Workers don’t blame the NHS app for requiring them to self-isolate, they blame the Government for the rise in infections, which has been made far worse by its totally misguided decision to end all legal restrictions.
“Already our members are reporting that companies are reducing safeguards in the workplaces such as enhanced cleaning regimes, which is dangerous and is a result of the mixed messages that the Government is issuing on a daily basis.
“Allowing frontline workers such as lorry drivers not to self-isolate if pinged may alleviate short-term supermarket supply issues but it will do nothing to reduce infection rates.
“What is needed is clear leadership from the government which includes workers needing to be paid properly to self-isolate, masks need to be made mandatory once again on public transport, retail and hospitality venues and an urgent U-turn on the decision to end the supply of free tests to employers.”
GNA