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TUC urges shoppers: ask about ventilation to keep shop workers safe

The TUC in Yorkshire & the Humber is today (Monday) urging shoppers to help keep shop workers safe by asking about ventilation in stores.

Ventilation in workplaces, such as open doors and windows in shops, is a key factor in mitigating infection risk, according to the national Hazards Campaign, and a broad consensus of scientists.

The TUC is urging shoppers to keep their distance, think about ventilation, and speak up for shop workers if you think something isn't right.

Commenting on today’s (Monday) easing of restrictions, TUC Yorkshire & Humber Regional Secretary Bill Adams said:  

“As we reopen the economy, we must not drop our guard on workplace safety. If workplaces aren’t Covid-secure, coronavirus cases could spiral out of control again.

“Ministers must tell the Health and Safety Executive to crack down on bad bosses who play fast and loose with workers’ safety. It’s a national scandal that not a single employer has been prosecuted and fined for putting workers or the public at risk.

“Vaccinations can't be a substitute for comprehensive health and safety measures to make workplaces safe.

“And the government needs to wake up to the fact that a lack of decent sick pay undermines safe return to work. Ministers must raise statutory sick pay to the level of the real Living Wage, and make sure everyone can get it.”

Editors Note

  • Hazards Campaign has collated research on ventilation here: https://www.hazards.org/infections/venting.htm
  • The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 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.

Contacts:

Gareth Forest 
gforest@tuc.org.uk 
0113 200 1075
07810 374976

TUC press office 
media@tuc.org.uk  
020 7467 1248

 

Original article link: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-urges-shoppers-ask-about-ventilation-keep-shop-workers-safe

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