Shielders have been put in a difficult spot
THE Trades Union Congress, along with a number of UK charities including Age UK and National Voices, is asking the Government to extend the furlough scheme for shielding and high-risk workers.
The Government has said that shielding restrictions will be lifted across parts of the country from August 1, with many having to return to work despite being a heightened risk.
However, a new TUC report reveals that tens of thousands of people – especially older and disabled workers and those living with ill health – may not be able to go back to work safely as they still face a high risk from coronavirus. The report also sets out that localised outbreaks are likely to lead to reinstatement of shielding restrictions in the future, again leaving shielded workers unable to attend work outside the home. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Many people who have been shielding from Covid-19 won’t be able to return to work yet as the virus continues to pose a threat to their lives, or the lives of those they live with. Tens of thousands of people risk being forced out of their jobs after August 1 if the Job Retention Scheme is not extended and their workplaces cannot be made safe.”
Caroline Abrahams, from Age UK, said: “People who have been shielding have made sacrifices to protect themselves, their families and the NHS. It would be hugely unfair if they lost jobs as a result.
“But this is a real fear, especially for older workers who had been banking on working to fund their retirement.
“For the sake of employers as well as their staff, we call on the Government to keep furlough going beyond August at the current 80 per cent level for workers who have been shielding if it is too early for them to return safely to work.
“These shielders have supported all of us by keeping themselves safe from the virus, now it’s time for us to reciprocate.”