Commenting on the rise in Covid cases announced today (Friday), UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said:
“Winter is coming and the virus is staging a comeback. Yet the government doesn’t appear to have a plan.
“Unless urgent action is taken, cases will surge and schools, hospitals, care homes and other key public services will be without the staff they need to function.
“Bringing back free testing is a must so people don’t unwittingly take the virus into work, school or the pub.
“A system of proper sick pay where everyone, no matter where they work, gets full pay when poorly is also long overdue.”
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 the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
