For immediate release
New care home death figures show government claims of protecting the sector ring hollow, says UNISON
Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing more than half of all deaths linked to coronavirus occurred in care homes, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“It’s shameful that hundreds of people in care homes are still dying of Covid-19 every week.
“Vulnerable residents and care workers looking after them have been left to fight the disease alone. Many staff still don’t have the safety kit or tests they need. Government claims of a protective ring being placed around care homes ring rather hollow.
“The care sector needs to be completely overhauled once the crisis has passed. Never again should the concerns of staff, unions and employers be ignored.”
-The union has launched a petition demanding the government step up and deliver on its promises around PPE and do much more to protect care staff and elderly people.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Garfield Myrie M: 07778 158175 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk