News brief - 04/05/20 View this email in your browser
Covid-19: a post-pandemic manifesto
Professor Keith Ewing and Lord John Hendy QC have put forth ten policy proposals to create a more equal UK after the Coronavirus crisis.
The pandemic has exposed the unfair state of affairs in which essential - yet often precarious - workers, such as those in the social care sector, are on some of the lowest wages and insecure contracts. As the UK heads for the deepest recession in 200 years, Ewing and Hendy argue that a radical restructuring of the economy is urgently required.
By raising taxes, giving workers a voice in government and at work, and legislating against the exploitation of workers through precarious contracts, we can ensure that everybody benefits from the country's wealth and the poorest and most vulnerable are not left to shoulder the greatest burden of the financial crisis.
Further, the way in which work is valued must be reassessed. As 40 years of neoliberalism has proven, "free market" philosophies devalue some of the most important work a person can do - looking after our elderly and most vulnerable. As a country, we can now decide to honour care professionals and other essential workers with a fair wage that reflects their service to the community.
Internationally, the authors urge countries to come together in solidarity, disempowering global corporations that seek to influence public policy, ensuring the rights of workers are not toppled by those of business, and reasserting a common aim for greater economic and political democracy.
Read the full report
Private sector care providers and the grey zone
Private contractors are using NHS money to force workers to conduct non essential work instead of helping to fight Covid-19. Nigel Flanagan of Unison shares stories from the shop floor.
Read the full report
IER and Covid-19
Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease and the need to keep our staff, supporters and speakers safe, IER have decided to postpone all forthcoming IER events and meetings until further notice, including both Health and safety at work after Brexit conferences in Liverpool and London, the IER Executive Committee, IER AGM and our joint event with the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom on 6th June.
IER staff will continue to work, but remotely from home. We will answer emails, produce publications and circulate our weekly News Briefs and other on-line information. However, phone calls to the office or mail sent by post will not receive immediate attention.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and wish you all best wishes during this difficult time.
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