Tuesday 7 July 2020
For immediate release
Prime Minister should take responsibility and not blame others for care home failings, says UNISON
Responding to comments by the Prime Minister that care homes did not follow procedures during the pandemic, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Tuesday):
“It’s despicable for Boris Johnson to blame incredible, dedicated care workers for his own government’s failings.
“Care staff have kept working throughout to help the vulnerable, putting their own health at risk with little or no protective kit and without testing.
“Many lacked full sick pay so couldn’t afford to stop home. Others went unpaid if they became ill, causing real financial headaches for doing the right thing.
“This was all the result of poor decisions taken by his government. The Prime Minister should be ashamed, take responsibility and commit to proper, lasting reform of social care.”
Notes to 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 service 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: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk