UNISON Chief, Dave Prentis, is today calling on employers to consider allowing “special leave” for family members to go to the aid of relatives hit by the typhoon in the Philippines, which has left 4.4mpeople homeless.
The union has donated £10,000 to the DEC appeal but believes that special leave would be one practical step to help the many people with family back in the country.
Dave Prentis, said:
“Filipino workers play an essential role in all walks of life and especially in delivering public services across the UK. Many have been left devastated by the loss of family members, their homes and by the scenes of the carnage left in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
“That is why the union is calling on employers to consider giving special leave to those individuals who want to go to help their relatives recover from the disaster. It is very stressful when you are left thousands of miles away, feeling powerless to help. By giving time off employers will be throwing a lifeline to those in need.
“People across the country have proved to be incredibly generous in responding to the appeal after the typhoon struck. This is just one more action that would boost morale across the Philippines and help in the long road to recovery.”
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