Staff leave support sector

Coronavirus fears and a lack of communication are forcing people out of the home and community support sector, a worker has told Stuff.

The woman, who Stuff has agreed not to name, said there was a lack of communication over expectations during a pandemic. ‘‘They say they’ve got pandemic plans, we have no idea what they are.’’

Workers were concerned about whether they would be used as back-up in public hospitals, as many had previous hospital experience. Fears over their own health, and their families’ health, meant people were thinking of leaving the sector.

‘‘There is going to be potential massive job loss in the homesupport sector.’’

Her company had not told her what leave she would be entitled to if she had to self-isolate, nor how the company would support clients in the event of a pandemic.

She had sent a list of questions twice to her employer, expressing her concerns, but had only received what she described as ‘‘generic bulls...’’.

Some workers were also struggling to access personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, through the company, and could not buy it themselves because of panic buying.

E tu¯ union director Kirsty McCully said she had also been hearing from workers considering leaving the sector, which had a history of underfunding workers, and had difficult hours.

Risking workers’ health would be ‘‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’’ for many, she said.

While the Government has said it would implement a targeted wage subsidy to help businesses support workers during the outbreak, unions say Covid-19 has exposed larger problems in employment law.

FIRST Union’s secretary for retail and fiance, Tali Williams, said five days of sick leave was not enough, and people were incentivised to work while unwell. ‘‘They can’t afford to stay home because it will be unpaid.’’

One Countdown worker, who did not want to be named, said there had been a lack of communication from management.

Workers were nervous, given their close proximity with the public, he said. There had been no communication about what leave they would be entitled to if workers had to self-isolate.

A Countdown spokeswoman said the company was taking the health and wellbeing of workers seriously, and had been in regular contact with staff.

Health and Safety manager Kiri Hannifin said all team members had access to hand sanitiser and the company has increased regular store cleaning.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released guidelines around leave entitlement in relation to Covid19. These say workers should be paid, using sick leave, or anticipated sick leave, if they contract the virus. Paid special leave should be considered if paid sick leave was not available, or if the person had to self-isolate based on Health Ministry guidelines.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said people needed to be able to self-isolate without fear of employment or income impacts.

‘‘They say they’ve got pandemic plans, we have no idea what they are.’’

support sector worker