TUC calls for extension of furlough and “urgent” targeted support for hospitality and arts sectors

Responding to today’s (Monday) announcement by the government on extending Covid restrictions, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: 

“We all want to beat this virus once and for all. 

“But this announcement is a big setback for many workers and businesses - especially in the arts and hospitality sectors. 

“The government must step up and provide urgent targeted support for these industries. We cannot afford for more companies to go to the wall, taking good jobs with them. 

“The Chancellor also needs to announce now that he will extend furlough for as long as is needed, rather than cutting it off abruptly in three months’ time. Working people need this certainty now - not a rollercoaster approach to protecting livelihoods.”  

Responding to the extension of the government’s work-from-home guidance, Frances O’Grady added: 

“With cases rising, the government’s guidance remains that those who can work from home should continue to do so. 

“Employers should do everything possible to keep workers safe – and should not require workers to attend workplaces if they can do their jobs from home. 

“Companies that recklessly breach this guidance should be fined and face serious action. They are putting their workforces and local communities at risk. 

“And when the government does remove restrictions, all workers must know their workplaces are Covid-Secure. The government must consult unions and employers on updated safety guidance for all types of workplace ahead of the final unlocking.”  

TUC polling published today reveals that nearly 1 in 10 (9 per cent) staff have been put under pressure by bosses to return to the workplace – a number that rises to over 1 in 6 (17 per cent) for disabled workers.   

The polling reveals that 1 in 4 workers (25%) are currently working from the office or other workplaces despite being able to work from home.  

ENDS  

Notes to editors:  
- The TUC polling publihsed today (Monday) on staff being put under pressure to return to work is available at: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-nearly-1-10-workers-say-they-have-been-forced-back-workplaces-despite-government-work-home   
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.  

Contacts:  

TUC press office   
media@tuc.org.uk    
020 7467 1248