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Responding to the health secretary’s comments that there will be no new restrictions before the new year, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Working people need to know the government has their back. But the current uncertainty is leaving millions in limbo.

“Cases continue to climb and demand on our high streets is slumping – yet workers still aren’t getting the support they need. Every day we are hearing from workers whose shifts are being cancelled and even some who are being sent home without pay. 

“That’s why ministers must bring back a new targeted furlough scheme which covers at least 80 per cent of workers’ wages, and guarantees that no-one furloughed is paid less than the minimum wage.

“And we need decent sick pay – paid at the real Living Wage - available to everyone, so that workers can afford to self-isolate when they need to.

“It’s time for the government to reassure workers and businesses they have a plan to protect jobs and wages during the winter.”

Editors note

- 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 

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