UNISON has today (Monday) welcomed the decision by the Scottish care charity Cornerstone to pay full pay to all staff who are forced to shield or self isolate as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was reached as a result of the new trade union recognition agreement between UNISON and Cornerstone. The decision implements the principles from the Scottish Government’s Fair Work statement ‘that nobody should suffer financial detriment’ as a result of following public health advice.
Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary, said: “Cornerstone is to be commended for its commitment to Fair Work and implementing the Fair Work statement agreed between Scottish Government and the STUC. Cornerstone staff, the people they support and the public in general will welcome this financial commitment which protects and promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and our economy.”
Hazel Brown, Cornerstone Chief Executive, said: “Colleagues at Cornerstone have been outstanding during this pandemic, always going the extra mile for the people we support. We are a good and fair employer, committed to the principles of Fair Work – especially during these challenging times. We know this is a significant decision that will incur additional financial costs, but it is so important our colleagues are not financially worse off during the COVID-19 crisis”.
For further information please contact:
Ian Fitzpatrick, area organiser for UNISON Scotland, 07943 788 528
Katie Ronald, Cornerstone, 07908 616462