Retired members: Don ’ t make older people pay for the pandemic

Last week saw the first UNISON retired member’s conference in two years. The event, held virtually, showed retired members’ continued support for trade union ideals and the aims of UNISON. With 280 members registered to take part, it also highlighted their determination that their voice be heard. The last 18 months have been an ordeal for many older people and the conference agenda reflected this. Conference heard how the high numbers of deaths among care home residents provided a damning indictment of government policy over the pandemic. Delegates were adamant that now, more than ever, a national care service was needed to make sure this never happens again. Making the case for a properly regulated care service, John Duncan of Devon County branch explained how his partner was exploited by the private care service she worked for, saying: “She wasn’t paid for travel, had to provide her own phone and the only training she received was via a video that she had to pay £30 for.” Conference was united in its view that the benefits of retired people, such as the winter fuel allowance and the bus pass, should not be the price paid for the pandemic. Rosie Macgregor, chair of the national retied members’ committee referenced Rishi Sunak’s ‘eat out to help out’ scheme, saying: “We all know there is no such thing in life as a free dinner. It looks like those in power are going to try to make the older people of this nation pay for all those free dinners.” Inste...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article 2021 Virtual Retired Members Conference Source Type: news