Families and the public need answers that only a public inquiry can give

Lessons must be learned and those responsible for failings held to account

Male Lawyer Or Judge Working With Contract Papers, and Law Book

Commenting on the TUC’s call for the PM to put in place a timetable for a Covid-19 public inquiry, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said on International Workers’ Memorial Day today (Wednesday):

“We must never forget all those workers who’ve died in the pandemic. They’ve selflessly put the needs of others ahead of their own. Day in, day out, they’ve carried on working, helping and caring for our loved ones.

“It’s beyond tragic so many lives have been lost providing essential services that many people take for granted. The government owes answers to their families and the public in general.

“Only an independent judge-led public inquiry is good enough – and as soon as possible. It must have full power to summon any witnesses, compel evidence to be disclosed and hear testimony under oath.

“But it also needs to hear the voices of the key workers at the sharp end, to ensure lessons are learned and people are held to account where they’re responsible for failings and negligence.”

Notes to editors:
– Unions will lead the annual national minute’s silence for International Workers’ Memorial Day at midday today (Wednesday) to remember those who have died at or because of unsafe workplaces. Christina McAnea will join TUC deputy general secretary Paul Nowak and representatives of families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus for the occasion at the National Covid Memorial Wall in London.
– 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 community sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk