TUC: ‘As we reopen the economy, we must not drop our guard on workplace safety’

Commenting on today’s easing of restrictions across the Midlands, TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Lee Barron said:

“As we reopen the economy, we must not drop our guard on workplace safety. If workplaces are not Covid-secure, coronavirus cases could spiral out of control again.

“There are some parts of the Midlands that have been under some form of restriction much longer than others and although they will be, understandably, eager to reopen quickly, we must make sure that those workplaces are ready to reopen safely for their employees and the public.

“Ministers must tell the Health and Safety Executive to crack down on bad bosses who play fast and loose with workers’ safety. It is a national scandal that not a single employer has been prosecuted and fined for putting workers or the public at risk.

“Vaccinations can’t be a substitute for comprehensive health and safety measures to make workplaces safe.

“And the government needs to wake up to the fact that a lack of decent sick pay undermines safe return to work. Ministers must raise statutory sick pay to the level of the real Living Wage, and make sure everyone can get it."