Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address to the nation today (Sunday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The return to work must be safe. There must be no cutting corners, no playing fast and loose with employees’ safety. The economy is important, but lives are too.
“If safety isn’t paramount, then infections will increase and there’ll be a second wave that risks overwhelming the NHS and social care.
“Many health, care and other key workers use trains, buses and tubes to get to work. Their safety must not be compromised by crowded public transport.
“The government must also ensure the NHS and the care sector have guaranteed supplies of protective equipment and there’s a comprehensive test, track and trace programme in place before any mass return to work.”
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 forces 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