Unions fearful over virus 'second wave'

Millions of workers will be left without a financial "safety net" in the event of a second wave of coronavirus or a spate of local lockdowns, unions are warning.

The TUC said the NHS Test and Trace system risks failure unless ministers boost statutory sick pay (SSP) and ensure all workers are eligible for it.

General secretary Frances O' Grady said people had already gone to work while ill because of the inadequacy of the SSP system.

She said the weekly rate for of £95.85 is one of the lowest in Europe, with almost two million people missing out on receiving it because they do not meet the lower earnings limit.

She said: "Unless ministers fix this gaping hole in our safety net Britain will be ill-prepared for a second wave of infections or further local lockdowns.

"The Government must ensure that everyone has access to sick pay and raise the basic rate to at least the real living wage of £320 a week."

A survey of 2,100 workers for the TUC found more than four in 10 would be "plunged" into financial hard ship if forced to self-isolate for two weeks on SSP.

Speaking ahead of next week's TUC Congress she said the Government had made some "major failures" in its handling of the crisis.

She said :" People understand this is an unprecedented situation, but they also feel there has been a lack of basic competence and communication.

"There have been a spate of last minute announcements, without proper plans in place to back them up."