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Short-time working scheme and support for hard-hit industries urgently needed, says union body

Responding to today’s (Tuesday) vote on plan B restrictions, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Stopping the spread of Omicron is vital. But where is the Plan B for protecting jobs and livelihoods?

“These new restrictions are already hitting demand on the high street as people reduce their contact with others.

“Unless ministers step in quickly, jobs will go and companies will go to the wall.

“Ministers must get real about what is happening. It’s time to bring in a permanent short-time working scheme - learning from the success of furlough in protecting jobs and incomes. And they must provide extra help for hard-hit sectors like travel, hospitality, retail and the arts.

“Otherwise thousands of workers will face a miserable Christmas.”

On the need to help workers keep safe, Frances added:

“If we’re serious about controlling Omicron, we must fix our broken sick pay system once and for all.

“It beggars belief that we are heading into another wave of the pandemic with millions of workers still unable to afford to self-isolate.

“Ministers must raise sick pay to the level of the real living wage, and every worker should be able to get it. That’s how we make sure people can follow the rules and stop the spread.”

Editors note

About the TUC: 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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