Thousands of public service workers contact UNISON with ‘harrowing’ PPE stories

Thousands of people working in the NHS, social care and local services have contacted a UNISON hotline in the last week expressing anxiety at the lack of gloves, masks, eye protectors and gowns where they work. Staff from across the UK’s public services say they’re scared that without the right protective equipment, they risk catching the virus and passing it on to their families, or the elderly and vulnerable people they work with and care for. Keen to work with the government, UNISON has today (Thursday) passed the testimonies from staff working in hospitals, schools, care homes and out in the community, including social workers, teaching assistants, refuse collectors and police staff, to health secretary Matt Hancock. In a letter accompanying the harrowing stories sent to UNISON, general secretary Dave Prentis urges the government to ensure without delay that staff get the necessary protective kit and reassure them supplies are on their way. Every employee in care homes and supporting people in the community should be sent a checklist of what PPE they need and clear guidance about how to use it and social distance at work, says UNISON. Employers must reassure staff they won’t be pressured into attending work when they should be self-isolating or have health risks. The government also needs to address urgently how to work better with wholesalers to solve equipment shortages, says the union. The most disturbing stories to the UNISON PPE alert ‘hotline’ relate to de...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article Covid-19 dave prentis government health NHS PPE social care Source Type: news