STUC on First Minister’s announcement on lifting restrictions on workplaces

March 16th 2021

STUC on First Minister’s announcement on lifting restrictions on workplaces

March 16th 2021

STUC on First Minister’s announcement on lifting restrictions on workplaces

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement on an indicative timeline for lifting restrictions, STUC General Secretary said:

“We welcome this cautious approach that is entirely reliant on continuing progress in suppressing the virus. The implications for public health and sustainable economic recovery of moving too fast would be catastrophic.

“We have no doubt that the First Minister will continue to be subject to sustained pressure from bosses in many sectors, including hospitality, to move more quickly but this must be resisted.

“We believe that effective test, trace and isolate measures are essential, along with the flexibility to increase local restrictions when necessary to control any outbreaks.

“For the sake of the public’s health and the safety of workers we need the future return to work to be a steadily managed stream and not a torrent.
“It is essential that the proposed return of students to colleges and universities is only undertaken with full and early consultation of education unions.

“We urge employers planning the return to work to learn from previous mistakes made during the emergence from the first lockdown. They must ensure that all continuing guidelines on social distancing and face coverings in the workplace continue. They must respect any ongoing fears and concerns of their own workers and, critically, fully consult with employees both on what is expected of them and on the protection they have a right to expect. Any worker with concerns should contact their union or the STUC.”