Dear Member
Hi there! We hope you’re all keeping well and haven’t missed us too much since our last update! We have a few updates for you today and we hope that you continue to find them of some use to you.
International Workers’ Memorial Day
Just a reminder that tomorrow, 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day, there will be a minute’s silence at 11am to remember all those who have lost their lives at work or as a result of work. We are pleased to report that Magenta Living, Wirral Evolutions, Wirral Met College and Wirral Council will be officially observing the minute’s silence.
Every year more people die at work, than in wars. That is why every year on 28 April, the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20). We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our pledge to fight for the living, to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
This year has a special significance because of the pandemic. Thousands of workers across the UK are caring for those suffering from COVID-19 or delivering vital public services that are vital for us all – potentially putting their own safety and even their own lives at risk simply by doing their job.
Tragically, up to 100 health and care works are reported to have died and we know that other front line workers including 5 London Bus Drivers have also lost their lives as result of this dreadful disease. It is likely that in many of these cases, more could have been done to prevent these deaths, whether by better enforcement of social distancing, looking after workers with underlying health conditions or provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing to keep them safe.
Workers began organising Trade Unions over 150 years ago to improve health and safety in their own work places. It is now 46 years since Britain passed the Health and Safety at Work Act and yet workers still lose their lives unnecessarily. We note that International Workers’ Memorial Day has received broader acknowledgement this year and whilst this is welcome we remember that for the Trade Union movement health and safety of the workers has always been and will always be the priority. Join us on Tuesday in honouring those who have lost their lives through doing their jobs.
Townfield Primary- Another Wirral Unison success story!
As we have reported to you previously, Townfield Primary which is an academy school was looking to continue with plans to restructure which meant that many staff at the school were facing the possibility of being made redundant. Wirral Unison had serious concerns, not only about the actual proposals but the ability to conduct meaningful consultation during this global crisis. Initially when we raised our concerns management indicated their intention to press on. We have continued to campaign against these proposals and to call for a pause. You may have seen the coverage of our campaign in the Liverpool Echo.
We are delighted to inform members that today the school has confirmed that they will be pausing their proposals and consultation until this crisis has passed. We know many of our members will be greatly relieved to hear this and we thank them for their support at this difficult time.
Care Workers
Sick Pay:
You will be aware from previous updates that as part of our Care Workers campaign, we are pressing for proper sick pay for all Care Workers providing care under contract for the Council who are absent from work as a result of the Corona Virus. We are aware that other Councils have begun to take action to provide appropriate financial support to care providers to enable this to happen. We have commenced discussions with Wirral Council with a view to bringing in suitable financial support for the Care Workers in our borough. We will of course keep you updated as to the progress of these discussions.
Shielding or living with someone who is:
Shielding is the specific social distancing action that is recommended when someone has been classed as extremely vulnerable to the impact of the virus; these people should have received a letter advising them that they are in this group or received this information via their GP. In brief shielding means that you should not leave your house. If you are shielding because you are extremely vulnerable yourself or you live with someone who is and you are not receiving full pay while you are absent from work, please contact us and we will make representations to your employer. For further information on shielding and what it means, please see the information in the link guidance-on-shielding .
PPE
Last week we reported to you that the government had issued new guidance relating to the use of PPE in residential homes and supported living. For clarity, we can confirm that this guidance applies to all care homes and supported living establishments. The guidance clarifies the PPE requirement if you are within two meters of residents, specifically it states that you should use a surgical mask. If you have any concerns please refer your manager to the guidance and contact us if the matter is not resolved. We have attached the guidance below for you.
COVID-19_How_to_work_safely_in_care_homes
The Real Living Wage:
We are currently writing to all care providers to ascertain how they intend to apply the Real Living Wage. The Council has been clear that their fee rates are sufficient to allow all providers to pay the Real Living Wage. We are aware that there may be geographical boundaries and other factors which may make the implementation complex and we will take these issues up as they arise. We look forward to hearing back from the care providers and will update you further once we have.
That’s all from us for today, as ever we want to hear from you so please do get in touch if you have any concerns about Corona Virus and work and need our support.
If you are reading this because it has been shared with you and you’re not a member, here’s the link to join up! Click here
Take care of yourselves and each other and we will be back with another update for you all tomorrow.
In solidarity!
Lois and Dave
Dave: davidnjones@wirral.gov.uk 07880199539
Lois: loisfounds1@wirral.gov.uk 07384512521
Published on: April 28, 2020