Society must do more to tackle structural racism, says UNISON

Urgent action needed to protect Black communities from second wave

Commenting on the review by Baroness Lawrence into the impact of Covid-19 on Black communities, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Tuesday):

“This vital report goes to the heart of so many of the problems the pandemic is putting into stark relief.

“Doreen Lawrence is right to say urgent action is needed to protect Black communities from the second wave.

“With rising infections, all employers must carry out individual risk assessments for staff and put the findings into immediate effect.

“Much more must be done to tackle the structural racism in society that’s led to the disproportionate suffering of Black people because of the crisis.”

Notes 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 both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk