Blog: A major disappointment – but just the latest for Black people

This report was eagerly awaited as its terms of reference promised action to deal with the disproportionate impact we knew that COVID-19 has had on Black frontline workers and communities. Over 60% of NHS workers who have died from coronavirus are from Black communities, rising to over 90% of doctors. Earlier reports from the Office for National Statistics and the Institute for Fiscal Studies had already highlighted the impact of social deprivation and inequalities as key factors with clear evidence that coronavirus seems to thrive on inequality. But this report makes no recommendations – not one – to deal with racial and health inequalities or protect Black communities from the disproportionate impact of COVID-19. The PHE report is a major disappointment. It is an absolute failure by this government to take action after weeks of inaction on this issue. However, it should come as no surprise to UNISON’s Black members or the wider Black community as it repeats a familiar pattern of failure by public institutions to act in any serious or committed way to protect the interests of Black communities. We have just seen that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) – the regulator for equality in the country – has been forced, in the face of mounting pressure, to use its statutory powers to address the structural racial inequalities that COVID-19 has made so prominent. The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating – especially for those who have lost loved ones, for...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Blogs black members coronavirus Covid-19 george floyd national black committee racism Source Type: news