Higher-risk job roles must be examined
Commenting on figures released today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics showing disproportionately high Covid-19 death rates for Black people, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Time and again, we’ve seen how people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities suffer health problems caused by disadvantage and poverty, which could make them more susceptible.
“Tackling the causes of these social issues is long overdue.
“Organisations and employers must also look at whether staff from these communities are concentrated in higher risk job roles, often lacking safety equipment, and action taken urgently to address this.”
Notes for editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police forces and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
