[IER] Ineffective H&S enforcement/sick pay making Covid a "disease of poverty", scientists say

Fri Feb 26 17:59:05 GMT 2021

News brief - 26/02/21                                                                            <https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=3ca1b3b983> View this email in your browser 

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Ineffective H&S enforcement/sick pay making Covid a "disease of poverty", scientists say 

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The govermment's new 'Roadmap' out of Covid-19 lockdown risks making the Coronavirus a "disease of poverty",  <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/covid-roadmap-punishes-the-poor-say-independent-scientists/> the Independent SAGE group of scientists has warned.

Ministers have failed to take into account the disproportionate impact of the disease on those who are socioeconomically deprived or who are from ethnic minority backgrounds, the body's latest report says.

The new 'Roadmap' document does not mention the word 'inequality' once despite the fact the pandemic has famously exposed - and widened - inequalities across the board. 

Historically, some diseases - such as TB - have become focused in areas of poverty because of the densely populated housing and working conditions that are found in deprived regions, the scientists explain.

They recommend that enforcement of health and safety rules designed to limit the transmission of Covid-19 in the workplace are made legally enforceable and that effective penalties for employers that breach the rules are introduced.

Additionally, the group called for financial and practical support to be provided for those who have to self-isolate, investment in public services for the areas worst affected, and a push to increase vaccine uptake.

Another study released this week appears to show that these recommendations would be warmly received by the populace.  <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/20/three-quarters-of-tory-voters-back-big-increase-in-pay-for-self-isolating> An RSA survey found that the vast majority of voters - including around three-quarters of those who support the Conservative Party - want to see sick pay increased to workers' full wage when they are forced to self-isolate. 

Next week's FREE seminar

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/events/redundancy-and-covid-19-are-our-redundancy-laws-strong-enough/> 

2nd March 2021 – 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Free 

About this event

Examining the deeply authoritarian nature of state and employer surveillance of activists

Speakers

‘Alison’, founding member of Police Spies Out of Lives and the Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance – The Mitting inquiry

Howard Beckett, Unite – The right to strike & COVID-19 pickets

Mick Rix, GMB – Winning the war against Amazon’s anti-union propaganda and practices.

Eileen Turnbull, Shrewsbury24 Campaign – Update on the campaign and legal case

Chaired by the Director of IER, Carolyn Jones

 <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DQQvQbykSsuYxvwRq0mJ-g> Book your place 

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COMMENT: The post-Brexit ‘red tape’ paradox: Part 1

The government promised to reduce 'burdens on business' through Brexit but is now facing the paradox that the biggest burden is Brexit itself. Andrew Moretta and Professor David Whyte examine the impact of the new deal with the EU.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/the-post-brexit-red-tape-paradox-part-1/> Read full report 

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Covid ‘Roadmap’ punishes the poor, say independent scientists

Independent SAGE members have called for financial support for those self-isolating and legally enforceable workplace protection.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/covid-roadmap-punishes-the-poor-say-independent-scientists/> Read full report 

  <https://mcusercontent.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/3ae9663b-a12a-4ba2-affd-05af57f171a9.jpg> 

Uber still telling drivers they have no right to minimum wage

After the Supreme Court ruled that Uber driver are 'workers', the company appears to be dissuading other workers from taking legal action.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/uber-still-telling-drivers-they-have-no-right-to-minimum-wage/> Read 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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