Unions angry over ‘mixed messages’

Union leaders have attacked the prime minister’s speech about easing the lockdown, accusing him of sending mixed messages which could have “lethal” consequences.

Unions have been urging the government for weeks to make sure workplaces are safe, with plenty of personal protective equipment (PPE), before the lockdown is eased.

John Philips, acting general secretary of the GMB, said: “More mixed messages from the government – saying there’s no end to lockdown, but asking everyone to go back to work.

“If ministers want the economy moving again, we need strict rules on hygiene and social distancing, enough PPE for everyone, and regulations employers can’t just ignore if they fancy it.

“The overall message is contradictory and confusing, when what people really need is clarity.”

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) advised its members not to work if they felt unsafe, saying the government was shifting away from the stay at home message, which would unleash a surge in passengers on the railways and Tube from today, breaching socialdistancing measures with “potentially lethal consequences” for staff and the public.

Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, said the new “stay alert” slogan was meaningless rhetoric, adding: “Tonight the prime minister told millions of people they can immediately return to work – with 12 hours notice for many, telling them they can’t use public transport and with no assurances on whether PPE, social distancing and other safety measures will be in place.

“That wasn’t a message from the prime minister. It was a message from big business and those who put profit before people.

“Never mind being led by the science, the British response is now being led by the money.”

Manuel Cortes, Transport Salaried Staffs Association general secretary, said the “mixed messaging” from the prime minister was “dangerous”, adding: “By comparison, the clarity from Scotland and Wales is somewhat of a relief.

“The PM telling people who can’t work from home to go to work but not use public transport is a ridiculous notion by someone who appears to have lost all grasp of reality. It will cause chaos. Our transport network is not ready for any increase in passengers.”