This announcement doesn’t remove the issue of workers forced back to work this week on crowded public transport, says GMB Union
This announcement doesn’t remove the issue of workers forced back to work this week on crowded public transport, says GMB Union
GMB, Britain’s General union, says the extension of the furlough scheme is ‘welcome’ but muddled advice could leave well-intentioned employers undercut by bad bosses.
John Phillips, Acting GMB General Secretary, said:
“It is welcome that the furlough scheme has been extended but the devil will be in the detail. Important issues are still to be addressed, including the need for all workers to be paid at least their full minimum wage rates for their normal hours of work.
“Continued support for the Job Retention Scheme is crucial, but muddled advice on who should be working means many well-intentioned employers, who want to keep their staff furloughed, will find themselves competing with unscrupulous companies who want to drag their staff back before it is safe to do so.
“We need clarity, transparency and a proper plan. This announcement doesn’t remove the issue of workers forced back to work this week on crowded public transport, or the absence of PPE or enforceable social distancing measures when they get to work.
"We call on Ministers to engage with the unions over the coming weeks to develop the details of the Job Retention Scheme extension."
