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Union body calls for government to commit to fixing
sick pay, keeping free tests and supporting vulnerable
workers.
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Charging for Covid tests would be “an act of madness”
in the middle of a cost of living crisis, warns TUC
The TUC has today (Monday) issued a direct challenge to to put public health first
when he publishes his ‘living with Covid’ plans this week.
The union body says the prime minister must be guided by what is
best for the country – not internal Conservative party politics.
The TUC says the government should now commit to:
Fixing Britain’s broken sick pay system:
Statutory sick pay must continue to be paid from the first day of
sickness when the Coronavirus Act expires later this week –
rather than only being paid from the fourth day.
In addition, the union body says sick pay must be made available
to all workers, with around two million workers currently not
earning enough to be eligible for it.
And with statutory sick pay in the UK among the lowest in Europe,
the TUC says it should be raised to at least the rate of the real
living wage.
Keeping Covid tests free: The TUC says it would
be an “act of madness” in the middle of a cost of living crisis
to start charging for tests.
The union body says lateral and PCR tests should remain free for
all who need access to them, and warned that introducing charges
would disproportionately hit frontline and low-paid workers.
Supporting vulnerable people: The TUC says the
government and employers must show understanding to those with
weakened immunity and long Covid.
The TUC says many people still remain vulnerable to Covid – such
as those with some cancers or those undergoing chemotherapy, as
well as lots of disabled people.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“We are all looking forward to getting on with our lives.
“But the prime minister must put the country and public health
first – not his backbenchers
“That means fixing our broken sick pay system once and for all.
“Workers who are laid low by Covid must be paid sick pay while
they can’t work, or people will have to come into work and that
will spread infections.
“The ongoing failure to provide decent sick pay to everyone is
leaving the country vulnerable to new variants and pandemics.
“It’s astonishing ministers cannot see this.”
On the need to keep free Covid tests, Frances
added:
“Introducing charges for Covid tests in the middle of a
cost-of-living crisis would be an act of madness.
“It would hit key workers and those on low incomes hardest.
“Does the Prime Minister really want low-paid care staff going
into care homes untested?
“Free tests must remain in place for all those who need them.
This is crucial for workplace and public safety.”
On the need to support vulnerable people,
Frances added:
“The government and employers must not abandon those with
weakened immunity and long Covid.
“Lots of people are more vulnerable to Covid – such as those with
some cancers or those undergoing chemotherapy, as well as lots of
disabled people
“We need to ensure that antivirals are rolled out fast to protect
more vulnerable people – but that will take time.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
-The TUC published in January a report for ensuring that
Britain at work is safe, secure and supported as restrictions
end.
