NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach is speaking to TUC
Congress at around 11:45am today. He will be taking part in a
debate highlighting the unequal impact of coronavirus on workers.
He is expected to say:
“The NASUWT welcomes the General Council Statement for
highlighting the failure of the Government’s response to tackling
existing structural inequalities - including deregulation and
casualisation, as well as cuts to support for families and
under-investment in our schools – all of which are exacerbating
the negative impact of the Coronavirus crisis on Black workers,
women, disabled people and LGBT+ people.
“On 11 May, the Prime Minister gave assurances to the British
people that the Government was ‘going to insist that businesses
across this country look after their workers and are covid-secure
and covid-compliant.’
“Yet, we know that Black workers are still 3-4 times more likely
to be impacted by the Coronavirus.
“And, on 23 June, the Prime Minister said in a statement to
Parliament that: ‘Primary and secondary education will recommence
in September with full attendance … because it is safe.’
But, Congress, we still see the Government recklessly insisting
that schools open with:
no social distancing in classrooms,
no national provision for PPE in schools,
no safeguards for vulnerable staff and
no additional funding to ensure that classrooms and schools can
be kept clean and safe.
This Conservative Government has claimed to be the party of law
and order.
But, we should call them out if they are in breach of their legal
obligations under the Equality Act – obligations which require
the Government to take action to eliminate discrimination,
advance equality and to promote good relations with women, Black,
disabled, LGBT+ and other groups with protected
characteristics.
So far, the Government has refused to publish any equality impact
assessments underpinning its decisions in relation to schools,
arguing that it is not in the public interest to do so.
But, we must continue to campaign to hold the Government to
account.
So, Congress – whilst it must be a priority for our movement to
campaign and lobby for a national Coronavirus recovery plan that
protects workers and that tackles the causes of labour market
inequality and injustice, it must also be our priority to
campaign for action – right here, right now.
This starts with:
Positive action by the Government to keep all workers safe.
The immediate publication of EIAs across the board, including on
school opening
Urgent commitment to further protection for all workers whose
jobs and incomes are at risk with the ending of the Job Retention
Scheme
And, commitment to increased investment not cuts, now and at the
next spending review, to protect our vital public services and
those who deliver them.
Congress – please support.
