Employers must do all they can to reduce Covid impact on Black staff, says UNISON

Responding to new government measures to address race disparities in the impact of Covid-19 announced today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“The heightened risks to Black* staff are now well-known, even if some causes remain unexplained.
“NHS trusts have been carrying out the individual risk assessments, taking account of key factors including underlying health conditions, job role, ethnicity and home circumstances.
“As infections continue to rise, all employers must do the same. They should ensure the findings are put into effect by doing everything possible to protect more vulnerable staff, including redeployment or working from home where necessary.”
Notes to editors:
– * UNISON uses the term Black in a broad, political and inclusive way for people with a shared history and experience of racism and reduced opportunities. The use of the term Black is broadly consistent with the term BAME.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [e-mail]
Garfield Myrie M: 07432 741565 E: [e-mail]
The article Employers must do all they can to reduce Covid impact on Black staff, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Source: UNISON Health care news - October 22, 2020 Category: UK Health Authors: Anthony Barnes Tags: News Press release black members coronavirus Source Type: news