UNISON’s statement was made following the Scottish government’s publication of new self-isolation rules providing an exemption for critical staff, published today (23 Jul 2021).
UNISON, Scotland’s largest trade union in health and social care, has been working in partnership with the Scottish government, participating in discussions and raising concerns around NHS & social care staff being asked not to self-isolate despite being alerted by Test & Protect Services that they should.
Willie Duffy, UNISON head of health said: “we have raised our concerns with the Scottish government and it’s frustrating that these have largely been ignored. We do not believe these new rules to exempt critical staff from self-isolation is an appropriate or well evidenced response to address the current staffing crisis. This could further the spread of COVID and have considerable negative impact on staff and the patients they care for.
We are fully aware of the pressure our health and care services are under and as always, our members are going above and beyond to do everything they can. But asking staff to adhere to the new rules is creating a double standard and as such UNISON Scotland cannot support these new rules.”
Notes
UNISON Scotland is the largest trade union in health and social care, and the largest in Scotland and UK. We represent workers across public services including local government, health, social care, community, third sector, police staff and utilities.
Further information at: www.unison-scotland.org
UNISON Contacts
Willie Duffy, head of health, 07904 342129
Danny Phillips, communications officer, 07944 664110