Protecting frontline workers

Tanya Palmer, Unison Cymru Wales General Secretary, highlights the challenges facing frontline workers in the Coronavirus outbreak and how Unison is trying to solve them.

We are in unprecedented times. All our lives have been disrupted in the most unimaginable way and in such a short space of time. Understandably and quite naturally, workers up and down the country are experiencing great anxiety, and for many different reasons.

Frontline staff are worried about the provision of personal protection equipment (PPE), about capacity within health services, and about the patients they will be caring for in the coming weeks. Care workers in care homes have reported concerns about personal protective equipment, ranging from its availability, ongoing supply and whether they are provided with the right level of PPE for their situation. Some care workers have resorted to making their own facemasks in a bid to feel protected. It is critical that our key workers are adequately protected from this disease. These measures are not only for the direct protection of the workforce, but to slow the spread of the virus as much as possible. PPE rightly provides protection to key workers, but it also protects those accessing care and the local community. This is life saving equipment.

Then there are the concerns of key workers who are torn between providing essential services at this time of crisis whilst also keeping their families safe from this deadly virus. There are many examples of workers who are living separately from their loved ones in order for them to be able to provide vital frontline services – away from family at the very time you want to hold them the closest.

Anxieties about job security are prevalent among many. Worries about paying the bills and feeding the family are all too real for many workers even without this crisis. Those in precarious employment feel especially vulnerable, despite the government promises to do ‘whatever it takes’, and who can blame them.

And of course, we are all worried about our families and friends. When will we next see our loved ones, and who will make it out of the other side of this catastrophe.

COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of this generation.

But for all the anxieties, fears and worries among the public, I have never been more proud of public services and public sector workers. The care workers, the nurses, the cleaners, the porters, the paramedics, the teaching assistants, the local government workers, the voluntary and community workers, and the many other frontline staff are the undisputed heroes of this crisis and I am humbled by their bravery and determination.

The true worth of the public sector has never been more apparent, and let it never be doubted again.

UNISON is working hard behind the scenes for public sector workers. We are in continuous discussion with Welsh Government Ministers and officials to ensure the frontline workforce have everything they need to throw at this and that workers worried about their futures are afforded the right protections and assurances.

We continue to raise issues about PPE, we have successfully lobbied for much needed guidance for schools, we are seeking clarity on advice to pregnant workers, and many other discussions continue so that workers can be given the confidence they need during this time.

UNISON will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members throughout this.

Whatever happens next, we will keep going – we have to.

Tanya Palmer is Unison Cymru Wales secretary.