PM campaigns for workplace return despite Covid rise

BORIS Johnson is to press ahead with a campaign to get people back to the office despite the increasing rate of coronavirus cases.

Downing Street insisted there had been no change to the Prime Minister’s advice that people should go back to their workplaces if they can do safely.

But unions have launched a fresh fightback, claiming that fewer than half of workplaces have put in place adequate social distancing measures.

A campaign in newspapers encouraging workers to return was due to launch last week, but was delayed amid concerns of a second wave.

Number 10 said yesterday the campaign remained “in train” and would launch “shortly”, with sources suggesting it will be rolled out early next week.

Mr Johnson has faced criticism from Tory backbenchers for doing too little to get workers back as pubs, restaurants and other businesses that rely on office workers struggle to survive.

The TUC said a survey of 2,100 workers had found that just under half of their employers had introduced adequate social distancing measures.

A third said they were worried about not being able to socially distance from colleagues and a similar number were concerned their workplace would not be cleaned properly.

Frances O’grady, the TUC general secretary, said: “Making sure workplaces are safe is key to preventing the spread of Covid-19 and getting our economy back on its feet. [Ministers] should crack down on bad bosses who risk their workers’ lives.”