In welcoming the Scottish Government’s inquiry into the response to the Coronavirus pandemic, UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “We acknowledge that families, many health and social care workers and other staff in public services still struggle with the consequences, and this will impact upon their capacity to contribute to the inquiry. However, our experiences, reflections and comments cannot be allowed to fade. They are so acute.”
“The inquiry must also review the extent to which the resilience of public services was affected by austerity measures, the effectiveness of health and safety measures at work and the role and capacity of the Health & Safety Executive, the impact of current sick pay provision, the way in which configuration/fragmentation of social care provision had an impact on response to the crisis and outcomes, and the disproportionate impact on black and low income communities.”
UNISON Scotland media contacts
Danny Phillips: 07944 664110
Trisha Hamilton: 07943 507307