WIREDGOV

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement about the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady recently said:   

“We all want to stay safe and stop this variant from spreading. Failure to do so will have a huge impact on public health, our front-line services and the economy. 

“Given more workers may now need to self-isolate, we need to protect them from financial hardship. Ministers must raise sick pay to the level of the Living Wage and make sure every worker can get it.  

“No-one should have to choose between doing the right thing and putting food on the table.” 

Editors Note

• TUC research has found that two million workers aren't eligible for sick pay and a third of those on zero hours contracts don't qualify for sick pay. Seven in 10 are women: www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/sick-pay-works 
• The TUC report Sick Pay That Works is available at: www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/sick-pay-works  
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.