Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement today (Tuesday) that there is to be a further easing of the lockdown, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Many people will jump at the chance to see more family and friends, and visit pubs and restaurants, but others will be understandably cautious.
“Good public services need a thriving economy and the spectre of mass unemployment – particularly among the young – must be avoided.
“But the slow return to normal must happen safely. Squandering the lockdown sacrifices and progress made in the past three months would be foolish.
“All workplaces opening up must make proper risk assessments of the virus threat. Avoiding a second wave in the autumn and preventing the NHS, social care and other public services from being overwhelmed is vital.”
Note to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
