Labour Research October 2021

Health & Safety Matters

COVID inquiry welcomed

The UNISON Scotland public services union has welcomed the news that work is underway to set up a public inquiry to investigate the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Scotland.

The Scottish Government will establish the statutory inquiry by the end of the year.

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said it must 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 and Safety Executive.

Public health expert professor Andrew Watterson called on the Scottish government to rethink its Covid strategy. His call followed testimonies at the Zero Covid Scotland group’s public hearing, The real covid — let the people speak.

They included statements from those with long Covid and workers from sectors including care and education. They called for more extensive practical prevention measures to avoid more lockdowns and isolation.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-inquiry