PM needs a credible plan for office returns, not a scare campaign - TUC

Commenting on plans announced today by government for an advertising campaign that will tell people they could lose their job if they continue homeworking instead of returning to the office, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:  

“The Prime Minister needs a credible plan to help more people travel and work safely, not a scare campaign.   

“Throughout this crisis millions of people have worked extremely hard from home, often in cramped bedrooms with limited equipment or balancing work with childcare. 

“Many now want a better balance of office and home-based working. But before this can happen, ministers must take responsibility for guaranteeing workers’ safety with a fast and reliable test and trace system, and better enforcement of transport safety and workplace risk assessments. 

“Ministers also need to wake up to the UK’s childcare crisis. Many working parents have lost all their childcare. Until proper support is provided, they have no choice but to keep balancing work and care by working at home. And many disabled workers can only safely undertake their roles at home. Increased childcare investment and strengthened rights to flexible working are vital to protect these workers’ jobs.”