Good Evening!
I hope everyone is well. Tonight saw the second Clap for Carer’s at 8 pm, but this time extended for all frontline workers. It is humbling to see the massive demonstration of respect for front line workers from our community. Now what we need is the Government to take real steps to provide PPE and testing on a mass scale. We have had enough promises!
Wirral UNISON took a step into the new world today when we held our first on line Branch Committee. The meeting was a success notwithstanding some teething problems. We discussed coronavirus (obviously) and how it is affecting workplaces across the borough. I apologise if we cover some issues again in forthcoming emails, but please be tolerant, some issues benefit from being re-iterated.
Do The Right Thing…..
What seems like an age ago the Prime Minister said people should not be at a financial disadvantage for ‘doing the right thing’. This may have been a throwaway comment that was never backed up with action, but it should be true. Yet the reality for many is different.
Many of our members work in the care sector; frontline workers in the battle against coronavirus. Yet for most care workers, often on minimum wage, if they get sick they only get the basic Statutory Sick Pay; and for some if they are high risk the only offer is unpaid leave, not even SSP. Yet a significant number of care workers are providing care on behalf of the Council. They are treated like a second class workforce, not only is that unfair, in the current climate it is unsafe. This situation can be rectified, the Council can change it, other Councils have, Salford for example. So come on Wirral Council…… so the right thing!
Homeworking....look after yourself
Many of us may have worked the odd day at home now and again; but the wholescale migration of a significant proportion of the workforce to homeworking in a matter of days is something completely different. We, and managers need to remember why this is happening – it is not about being more productive, it is about public safety.
Even when you are working at home, your employer owes you a duty of care. We know that the speed that the virus has spread has meant employers have had to move quickly, understandably, but the pay off is that you cannot be expected to work at the same level as you have previously. This is not a time for timesheets and targets. Overtime we will address Health and Safety matters, such as equipment, and the additional costs of working at home with employers. But for now we will all do what we can; if you have to break off because your neck is a bit a stiff, or the kids have got too bored, then do that, and don’t feel guilty. If you are getting a hard time from a manager for not working hard enough, the get in touch with Unison. Our mental health is important too, - have team meetings, or coffee breaks, call your colleagues for a chat; remember some of us may be home alone and feeling isolated. Lets look after ourselves, and lets look after each other
School of Shame
It is sad that one school in Wirral has decided to push ahead with proposals to make staff redundant. In the midst of a global pandemic, when we are all focussed on the public wellbeing, this is a really disappointing and unnecessary decision. We are aware that they have some financial difficulties, brought on we believe by financial mismanagement, but these job cuts cannot go unchallenged. Our members, and teachers, in the school are working hard to support children through this difficult time. We will fight these proposed redundancies in every way - our members deserve that. We will update further in coming emails.
Council Pay
We asked and the Council committed that no employee should be financially worse off as a result of this crisis (although they have extended this to care workers).That means where services are closed and staff can’t work, they will still get their enhancements. For those who are on flexible hours, they will get the average of the last 12 weeks pay. Obviously these are unusual circumstances, and calculations will have been made a speed, and some mistakes will be made. If you think your pay is wrong, speak to your manager. If they can’t resolve it, get in touch with us.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) along with testing is regularly in the news, mainly because it is lacking. This should not be an optional extra; every job should be risk assessed (by law) and reviewed in light of the current situation. If a risk cannot be removed from the job, then PPE should be considered to reduce the risk. If it is needed, it is needed. The nature of your job will dictate the PPE you require. Not everyone will require at mask (although the World Health Organisation are considering this). Are you dealing with the public? is social distancing impossible? These are some of the things to consider. If you are providing direct care in a household where there is a confirmed or possible case or someone is extremely vulnerable you should have disposable gloves and apron, and the appropriate mask. Speak to your manager, and if you are not getting the PPE you require please let us know.
The world of work is fast changing at the moment, and we are all trying to keep up with everything and stay safe. If you have any concerns with your job, and you are not sure at the response from management, then please get in touch. We can and do influence things for the better.
In Solidarity!
Lois and Dave
Dave: davidnjones@wirral.gov.uk 07880199539
Lois: loisfounds1@wirral.gov.uk 07384512521
Published on: April 3, 2020