Workplaces around the UK are witnessing an increase in coronavirus infections since the last few weeks. This is because the government has ignored the warnings about the dangers of opening offices and has rushed the nation back to work.
A damning report by Occupational- health experts at the Hazard campaign revealed that this callousness has resulted in worker’s deaths. The report says that the citizens were promised to return to work only under very strict measures and assurance from COVID was implied.
However, nothing of that sort took place and workplaces have now become the front line for Coronavirus spread. The government has stampede people back to their workplaces without putting out necessary support to protect the workers from contracting the new virus.
The government has also been criticized for forcing children back to unsafe schools from next month and opening clubs, pubs, bars, and gyms where there is a high possibility for transmission of Covid-19.
The chairman of Hazards, Janet Newsham reported that many workers have died and “many more have been left with long-term serious ill-health”. The report shows that many workers who are staying home and self-isolating following the health-and-safety hazard regulations are being unnecessarily penalized. They are being paid a statutory sick pay which is not fair to them.
Food production is one of the worst-hit sectors, following warehouse distribution sectors. Too many bosses are ignoring the social distancing measures and forcing their employees back to unsafe working environments.
Ensuring that the workplaces are COVID-secure should be in the top priorities for the government because, without adequate protections and oversights, Covid-19 will get a whole new lease of life. Our economy will continue to decimate.
