News brief - 08/06/20 View this email in your browser
The people take stand against government Coronavirus response
As concerns over the safety and effectiveness of the government's Coronavirus response increase, workers have begun to take a stand against some of the riskiest policies.
The RMT has warned the government that strike action could be taken over new plans to introduce thousands of unpaid, untrained workers onto the railways.
Describing the government's new contract with charity "Volunteering matters" as a "backroom deal", General Secretary of the union, Mick Cash, said there had been no consultation with unions over the proposals to recruit unwaged personnel into what he said were "safety-critical" roles.
The PCS, too, has threatened strike action after Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, scrapped the Virtual Parliament, forcing MPs to return to Westminster - a move largely regarded as political in its nature.
Members of the PCS, working as security guards, kitchen staff and Parliamentary clerks, complained that MPs were not observing the government's own social distancing rules while waiting in the 90-minute queues that formed when they went to vote. Over one-third of PCS members are from BAME backgrounds - groups known to be at higher risk when infected with Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, schools have widely disregarded the government's instruction to reopen, with Joint General Secretary of the NEU, Dr Mary Bousted, telling Sky News that the government is "making it up as it goes along" in its guidance to educational institutions.
Research by the union found that 44% of schools had not opened on June 01 - the date instructed by the Prime Minister - and that 21% had partially reopened, but not to the extent expected by Boris Johnson.
Elsewhere, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into racial inequalities across the UK in a bid to understand why those from BAME backgrounds have been hardest hit by both the health and economic implications of the pandemic.
What should be done?
Attention is now turning to the economic impacts of the pandemic and of the government's repsonse to it, as experts warn that the UK now faces the deepest recession seen in centuries.
Three former Chancellors of the Exchequer, from across parties, warned that unemployment could reach its 1984 peak of 12%, urging the government to take immediate action to shield jobs.
Despite the necessity of significant government borrowing during the Covid-19 response, all three warned against instituting any austerity measures, stating that paying down public debt should not be the government's priority.
Meanwhile, the IER staged its own debate over the post-pandemic proposals needed to ensure recovery is fair and does not disproportionately burden the poorest and most vulnerable.
Lord John Hendy QC, IER Chair, and Andy McDonald, Shadow Secretary for Employment Rights and Protections, discussed this issue and addressed questions from our audience at last week's free online webinar.
The event was recorded and can now be found on our website. Read on to register for our forthcoming event on education.
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Rail union stands against govt plans for unpaid, untrained labour
Nearly 100,000 people have joined a trade union in the last year.An "army" of volunteers is being recruited to enforce government policy after a "backroom deal" was made.
Read the full report
EHRC launches inquiry into BAME Covid-19 deaths
The EHRC has promised to make clear recommendations for the protection of ethnic minority communities after the PHE failed to do so.
Read the full report
PCS threatens to strike over voting queue chaos
MPs are being made to stand in 90-minute queues in order to vote in Westminster after virtual Parliament was scrapped.
Read the full report
Urgent action needed to prevent women being forced out of work, TUC warns
Women could be forced out of work in their droves if childcare facilities are allowed to fail due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Read the full report
Schools dismiss govt instruction to reopen
Teachers are not confident that the workplace can be properly made safe.
Read the full report
Unemployment will match the Thatcher years, cross-party Chancellors warn
Three former Chancellors have warned that urgent action is needed to limit job losses after the pandemic.
Read the full report
Post-pandemic policies discussed: Lord John Hendy QC and Andy McDonald MP
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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