TUC calls halt to pressure to return

The TUC has challenged the government’s latest push to make people return to work, an ad campaign that will allegedly warn that they could lose their jobs otherwise.

“The prime minister needs a credible plan to help more people travel and work safely, not a scare campaign,” TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said.

“Throughout this crisis millions of people have worked extremely hard from home, often in cramped bedrooms with limited equipment or balancing work with childcare.

“Many now want a better balance of office and home-based working. But before this can happen, ministers must take responsibility for guaranteeing workers’ safety with a fast and reliable test and trace system, and better enforcement of transport safety and workplace risk assessments.”

Warning of the risks to the mental and physical wellbeing of those returning to the workplace the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) reiterated its calls for staff consultation ahead of phased returns which, it said, should only take place if three conditions are met: is it essential for them to be in the workplace to do their job, is it sufficiently safe and is it mutually agreed with workers?

https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/pm-needs-credible-plan-office-returns-not-scare-campaign-tuc

https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/news-articles/cipd-news-returning-to-workplace-bereavement-support-reducing-hours