Union takes action as lack of PPE becomes ‘crisis within a crisis’
GMB Union has partnered up with PPE Exchange to help British companies provide protective equipment for desperate frontline workers.
The initiative – supported by the CBI – allows companies with capacity to make PPE to get it to health and social care workers and other sectors where there is a critical shortage.
PPE Exchange’s website also includes a map, showing in real time parts of the country where PPE shortages are particularly acute.
GMB has described the lack of PPE as a ‘crisis within a crisis’ and continually highlighted the lack of testing and safety provision on the frontline.
A recent poll for the union showed that 71% of more than 2,000 care workers expected people in their profession to die from COVID-19 and almost half reported lack of access to PPE at work.
PPE Exchange has been set up by software company Shoothill as a not for profit enterprise to help frontline workers during the crisis, it aims to get supplies to those working in social care primarily but is open to all.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary said:
“Frontline workers are crying out for PPE, it needs urgent government action but that just hasn’t been forthcoming - so we’re doing our bit with PPE Exchange to try and get much needed and lifesaving supplies to the front line. It’s a fantastic initiative.”
Rod Plummer, MD of Shoothill and founder of PPE Exchange, said:
“We’ve had a truly fantastic response to PPE Exchange since we launched the website only last week with 100’s of carers finding PPE suppliers.
“This partnership with the GMB will help us promote the service even more to the care sector, and help them to get desperately needed PPE to where it is most needed, and fast.”
