Covid rules: Workers face terrible choice, says TUC

Image source, Getty Images

The Trades Union Congress said that people shouldn't be forced into making a terrible choice over going into work with Covid or self-isolating at home.

The trade union was concerned about the scrapping of the legal requirement to self-isolate.

Two million workers in low-paid jobs don't get sick pay.

Plans for the end of Covid rules in England are expected to be set out by Boris Johnson in the Commons this afternoon.

Positive people can end their isolation earlier if they register a negative test on both days five and six.

The government is expected to reduce the amount of free Covid tests after the prime minister said that 2 billion was spent on tests in January.

The money could be spent on other priorities as cases and deaths continue to fall, according to the minister.

We want to get the economy working, but it will be up to employers and employees.

Kate Bell of the TUC said people who did not qualify for sick pay due to their wages were facing a major issue over whether to self-isolated with Covid or not.

She said that if they have Covid they want to be able to stay at home without facing a terrible choice about whether to lose their income or not.

It shouldn't be a choice that people are forced to make.

The general secretary of the TUC told the World at One that workers could not be expected to fork out themselves for tests.

She hopes that employers will do the right thing for the birds.

Millions of workers need the government to take responsibility and not just gamble on their health.

The prime minister has said that the end of restrictions will return people's freedom, but some experts have urged caution.

The success of the Covid vaccine programme has put England in a strong position to consider lifting legal restrictions, according to No 10.

The decision over isolation would be put back in the hands of employers, according to the director of service at Croner.

She urged workers who were concerned to speak to their employers and said that businesses have clear policies.

The legal requirement to self-isolate for a fixed period after a positive test in England has been in place since mass testing began. Most Covid testing used to be limited to people when they arrived in the hospital.

Image source, Blacksheepbrewery

The Black Sheep Brewery would pay for Covid tests for staff if necessary, according to the chief executive.

She didn't think the brewer would be happy to pay sick pay if someone had a dry cough.

She said that most people can work from home if they need to.

If you feel unwell, stay off work and come in.

Ms Lyons said that people who felt vulnerable could be isolated in the company's offices.

The owner of Ziba Hair and Beauty Salon in Monton in Greater Manchester hoped that people would use their common sense on isolating.

You wouldn't come to an appointment if you were poorly. She said that if you had the flu, you wouldn't go to work.

Ms Garside said she wanted to make it easier for her team to come into work and create a happy space in the salon.