We have warned again and again that the Government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has cost jobs, livelihoods and lives
GMB Union has welcomed an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus interim report today which highlights the Government’s ‘failure’ in handling the pandemic.
The inquiry, which cross-party politicians have been running since the summer and GMB gave evidence to, has found the Government has failed to learn from other countries.
The report makes 71 findings and 44 recommendations including greater support for the social care sector, the NHS and handing over the outsourced test and tracing service to local authorities.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary who gave evidence to the inquiry, said:
“Much of this report confirms what GMB has been saying since the start of the crisis – the Government needs to start listening and acting.”
“GMB has warned again and again that the Government’s handling of the covid-19 pandemic has cost jobs, people’s livelihoods and lives.
“The Government’s outsourced test and trace strategy has failed and should be handed over to local authorities.
“The failures in addressing major issues on the frontline in the NHS and social care many that far preceded Covid-19.
“GMB has long been calling for adequate equality impact assessments across our workplaces. As an employer itself, the Government itself should be taking its public sector equality duty seriously. Inaction costs lives.”
