CARER DIEs

Anger grows over lack of protection for low paid staff

A SCOTS care worker has died from suspected coronavirus – just months before she was due to retire.

The woman, thought to have been in her 60s, had been working in her job as a home carer for West Dunbartonshire Council.

She is understood to be the first carer in Scotland to lose their life to Covid-19.

Her death comes at a time when the Scottish and UK Governments have faced fierce criticism over the lack of personal protective equipment given to workers having to engage with virus sufferers.

GMB Scotland organiser Hazel Nolan hit out following the death.

She said: “This has been a sobering and tragic week for our social care sector and a sad new low for Scotland in the fight against coronavirus.

“The lower paid you are on the frontline of the key worker response, the less protection and resource you get.

“We are no closer today than we were at the start of this crisis to essential testing being available for frontline staff in our social care sector, when many of those delivering care are also in the high-risk category themselves.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “The Scottish Government must act urgently to protect our brave frontline workers.”

Beth Culshaw, chief officer of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “It is with deepest sadness that we can confirm a member of our team passed away today. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time.

“We continue to follow all Government and health guidance and are doing everything we can to protect, support and safeguard our workers, including by providing training and PPE.”