MINISTER RESPONDS TO TRADE UNIONS ON SOCIAL CARE GRIEVANCE
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In July this year the Joint Unions in Local Government and Social Care in Wales have joined forces to challenge unfair distribution of the Social Care Special Payments Scheme:
The Social Care Leads for the three largest unions in the UK have asked the minister reconsider the splitting of the workforce, and particularly in the case of those staff who, having worked on the front lines during Covid, are not being eligible for payment.
On 20th August the Minister responded to our concerns regarding the creation of a two-tier workforce developing, and signs of a creeping fragmentation of social care and social services. While services increasingly compete for and share funding, and often share work spaces and client groups for a variety of reasons, both funding and pay for workers in these sectors are drifting further and further apart.
The minister's letter states:
Even within a scheme of this size there are some services and job roles that we have not been able to include, in order to maintain the scheme as affordable and consistent... I appreciate the disappointment experienced by your members at not being included in this scheme.
The minister does not include any means or avenue of redress further than this, but GMB will inform members of the next step in the next few weeks.
GMB will continue to apply pressure along with the joint trade unions to the Welsh Government. Workers in both sector have been side-by-side on the front line during the pandemic, and the arbitrary and unfair exclusion workers from the scheme as a cost-cutting measure is a clear sign that, despite a looming recruitment crisis in both fields, the government doesn't value the work done in these fields beyond clapping and quick-fixes.
the period of registration for all social care workers who were registered with us as of 31 March 2021 (except social work students) is being extended from three to four years
the amount of CPD workers have to complete during their registration period (90 hours) is not increasing and will stay the same for the four-year period
any worker who worked through the pandemic will automatically achieve 50 per cent of their CPD requirement for re-registration – these workers will only have to complete an additional 45 hours of CPD to reach the 90 hours required.
Kelly Andrews GMB Social care lead said:
We're pleased Social Care Wales has recognised the challenges over past 18 months and put in places changes that will support the sector going forward.
GMB welcome a more flexible approach. The impact of this crisis on care workers' personally and professionally cannot be overstated, and we will continue to push the government for further recognition of, and remuneration for, the highly skilled work social care professionals do.
MEMBER OPPORTUNITY!
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The University of Cardiff is doing a study into the impact of COVID-19 on the health of domiciliary care workers in Wales.
Participants recieve a £20 gift voucher.
Read more about the Study here and contact OSCARstudy@cardiff.ac.uk or 029 2068 8907 with your details to take part.
NHS & SOCIAL CARE BONUS
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Welsh government recently announced that they will fund a payment of £735 to NHS & Social Care staff to recognise their extraordinary contribution during the Covid pandemic. Due to the complexities of Social care within Wales a group has been set up including Employer representatives, Welsh Government, trade Unions and other relevant organisations to look at how the payments will be implemented. We expect that there will be further information provided shortly on when payments will be made.
GMB continues to call for the highest level of PPE for all health and social care staff working with or near residents and service users with suspected or confirmed positive for Covid-19. We have repeatedly raised this for several months with the Department of Health & Social services (DHSS) and Public Health Wales (PHW).
COVID-19 VACCINATION
This week, the UK Government launched their consultation on the mandatory vaccination of adult social care home workers, at present Welsh government has stated that it does not have any plans to mandate Social care staff as Wales has already exceeded the SAGE guidance of over 80% of Care home staff and residents receiving the vaccine.
It is proposed that legislation is amended to make it compulsory for all workers in adult social care homes caring for at least one person over the age of 65 to be vaccinated against Covid-19. GMB is clear that we support and encourage our members to be vaccinated but there may be reasons why an individual chooses not to be. We will be responding to the consultation in the coming weeks.
If you are a GMB member working in social care you will shortly receive a survey for you to complete and inform us of your opinions on vaccinations and whether you support them being mandatory for you to work in social care. We will also be looking for volunteers who are choosing not to be vaccinated, or have already been vaccinated, to attend focus groups with us, so we can fully understand and represent your views as a part of this consultation. Please keep an eye out for the survey being sent to you by email or text.
A part of the consultation also refers to whether this policy will also be extended to other professionals who enter the care home – including NHS and Local Government workers. Although Government are not yet proposing mandatory vaccination for all NHS and Local Government workers, it may be that if this proposal goes ahead in Social Care, it will also follow into other sectors afterwards.
GMB will continue to represent the views of our members and will keep you updated as this develops.
GMB supports the vaccination programme and the prioritisation of all health and social care workers. However, we understand there may be reasons why an individual cannot be vaccinated. Individuals should discuss any issues or concerns they have with their line manager and contact your local GMB Representative if you require support. Public Health Wales have up-to-date information for Health & Social care staff, make sure you know the facts and make sure you are aware misleading information on Social media.
VISAS
Free one year visa extensions have now been granted to eligible overseas health and care workers whose visas were due to expire before 1st October 2021.
The extension covers all healthcare professionals working in the NHS and the independent health and care sector. Visas will be extended for a year, free of all fees and charges, including the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Eligible individuals will need to complete an online form to verify their identity and then employers will be asked to confirm their eligibility.
RESEARCH STUDY FOR CLEANING, CATERING AND HOUSEKEEPING STAFF IN CARE HOMES
Kings College London are doing research into the experiences and thoughts of cleaning, catering and housekeeping staff (ancillary staff) during Covid-19.
Participation is anonymous and confidential. A £20 voucher will be issued to participants for their time.
If you would like to take part, more information can be sent to you upon request by emailing olivia.luijenburg@kcl.ac.uk
SICK PAY ENHANCEMENT SCHEME
Support for social care workers who are required to stay off work due to actual or suspected COVID-19 or because they have to self-isolate. The Statutory sick pay enhancement scheme supports social care workers who only get Statutory Sick Pay when absent or are not eligible for SSP.
If you have concerns that you may have contracted Covid-19 in the workplace, please record your details on the GMB Risk Register. GMB’s priority remains in keeping our members safe at work which is why throughout the Pandemic we have been regularly updating our Coronavirus Hub with all the information you need to keep yourself safe.
It will be many months before we see a return to any form of ‘normality’. Covid-19 will still present a danger to social care workers and the people you care for. As a result, it means that your GMB Union Representatives may continue to have difficulties visiting you in your workplaces.
However, we want you to know that we are still here. We are considering a variety of ways that we can get information to you and engage with you on your issues in the workplace. One way to do this is to arrange a virtual online meeting for your workplace. If you would like to book one of these please contact your local GMB representative or email PublicServices@gmb.org.uk
ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CORRECT?
It is essential that your membership details are up to date so that we can ensure you are kept up to date with advice and guidance relevant to you.
You can update your details by contacting your local GMB Representative or online using the GMB website at gmb.org.uk/mygmb-edit
All frontline Social care workers in Wales should by now have been offered the first dose of the vaccine. 85.1% of care home workers have already received the vaccine. Welsh Government are confident that the roll out of the second dose will be as successful with many already receiving it. GMB are advising all members that are offered the vaccine to take up the opportunity to protect themselves. If you have any concerns about the vaccine, please take advice from a reliable source, such as NHS direct, Public Health Wales.
Pregnancy & fertility
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have issued a joint statement about Covid-19 vaccinations, fertility and pregnancy. You can read that in full here.
Allergies
You should take advice from your GP or Health care staff if you have ever had a Serious allergic reaction, You should NOT have the vaccine if you have had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the same vaccine, or any ingredients in the vaccine.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
GMBs campaign for increased levels of PPE for all social care staff continues. If you have concerns about PPE in your workplace, please contact your local GMB Representative.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
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GMB continues to call for the highest level of PPE for all health and social care staff working with or near residents and service users with suspected or confirmed positive for Covid-19. We have repeatedly raised this for several months with the Department of Health & Social services (DHSS) and Public Health Wales (PHW)
Vaccinations
GMB supports the vaccination programme and the prioritisation of all health and social care workers. However, we understand there may be reasons why an individual cannot be vaccinated. Individuals should discuss any issues or concerns they have with their line manager and contact your local GMB Representative if you require support. Public Health Wales have up-to-date information for Health & Social care staff, make sure you know the facts and make sure you are aware misleading information on Social media. Resources for Health & Social Care Professionals (PHW)Coronavirus & Pregancy (RCOG)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Reimbursement Service
People who work in social care roles and have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge may be able to claim their money back from HM Government.
Applicants must be working for at least 16 hours per week during that period, but this can be in more than one eligible job. Reimbursement payments are processed in six-month instalments in arrears. Eligible applicants can now apply online and find out more about the scheme. Telephone help is available if you have difficulty in applying.
Sick Pay Enhancement Scheme
Support for social care workers who are required to stay off work due to actual or suspected COVID-19 or because they have to self-isolate. The Statutory sick pay enhancement scheme supports social care workers who only get Statutory Sick Pay when absent or are not eligible for SSP. COVID-19 statutory sick pay enhancement scheme (wales.gov)
Social Care Fair Work Forum
GMB is also a stakeholder in the newly formed Social Care Fair Work Forum which is discussing the possibility of setting up sectorial collective bargaining within the Social care sector in Wales to improve pay, terms, and conditions within Social care. (Excluding NHS & NJC)
Discretionary assistance fund
Welsh Government have recently relaxed the rules given the extenuating circumstances.
To note – an individual cannot apply for a grant if they have:
already received a grant in the last 28 days (7 days for coronavirus applications)
already received 3 grants in the last year (5 grants including coronavirus applications)
Help is also available by phone 0800 859 5924 (between 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday)
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
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GMB continues to have concerns about the safety of our members in the workplace, specifically regarding PPE. We continue to hear reports of PPE that is low in quality and protection. GMB has called to increase the level of protection available to our members working in health and social care across the UK.
This issue is a priority more than ever now as we see the effects of a new strain of the virus with higher transmission rates. The Government have a responsibility to do everything in their power now to protect workers.
GMB raised the issue of increasing the type of PPE with the Health Minister Vaughan Gethin at our weekly meetings and the GMB has written to the UK Government again calling on them to increase PPE guidance to level 3 for all health and social care workers who need it, the PPE guidance is agreed jointly with the Public Health agency’s across the UK.
You can read a copy of our press statement and the letter here.
COVID-19 VACCINATION – WALES
New operational guidance has now been issued regarding the vaccination of frontline health and social care workers. This provides for an immediate requirement to vaccinate frontline health and social care workers.
It outlines that priority is to be given to frontline staff at ‘high risk of acquiring infection, at high individual risk of developing serious disease, or at risk of transmitting infection to multiple vulnerable persons or other staff in a healthcare environment. This includes:
frontline social care workers directly working with vulnerable people who need care and support irrespective of where they work (for example in hospital, people’s own homes, day centres, or supported housing); or who they are employed by (for example local government, NHS, independent sector or third sector).
GMB supports the vaccination programme and the prioritisation of all health and social care workers. However, we understand there may be reasons why an individual cannot be vaccinated. Individuals should discuss any issues or concerns they have with their line manager and contact your local GMB Representative for support if required.
The UK Government have published detailed information regarding the vaccine for social care workers which we would advise our members to read this is also applicable for. It can be accessed at:
GMB attends weekly stakeholder meetings with the Department of Health and Social services to discuss the national vaccine programme and will ensure you are aware of developments and further advice when it becomes available.
GMB’s priority remains in keeping our members safe at work which is why throughout the Pandemic we have been regularly updating our Coronavirus Hub with all the information you need to keep yourself safe. You can check it out at: Get It Right - GMB Coronavirus Hub
If you have concerns that you may have contracted Covid-19 in the workplace, please record your details on the GMB Risk Register at the COVID-19 Risk Register
SOCIAL CARE NOTICEBOARDS
You can read and share the latest guidance and advice for social care members on the GMB websites dedicated noticeboards. Please keep checking regularly for updates.
Welsh Government has announced that from the 14th December 2020 they will be introducing a programme of regular asymptomatic testing of frontline health and social care staff and others in contact with patients and those receiving social care. This builds on the asymptomatic testing of health workers in Wales to assist with outbreak control and those working in care homes.
This will be done using lateral flow testing devices, which can produce results in 30 minutes with the potential to be self-administered. While LFTs are not as sensitive as lab-based RT-PCR tests, scientific advice has indicated that by testing more frequently with LFTs their accuracy is on a par with RT-PCR tests.
All social care staff, including domiciliary, cleaning and catering staff are included in this programme - this is in addition to the weekly PCR tests they should already be having.
VACCINE
All frontline health and social care staff are to be prioritised for vaccinations. GMB are actively encouraging our members to have the vaccine, however individuals have the right to choose.
There should be 12 weeks maximum between first and second dose - both doses must be from the same vaccine type.
Depending on which Health board you are in will determine how you receive your vaccine. In some health boards, GPs have been asked to prioritise care home residents and staff delivering vaccines in care home settings. However, in most cases social care staff will be expected to attend mass vaccine sites.
You should speak to your employer immediately if you have difficulty in attending your appointment and to seek assistance if you are unable to travel to the sites.
Employers must carry out a risk assessment, looking specifically at risks of exposure to Covid-19. All steps must be taken to reduce the risk of employees catching the virus to as low as possible. Risk assessments must be carried out by a ‘competent’ person – someone who knows and understands both the workplace and the work. In GMB recognised workplaces, we expect Safety Reps to be consulted on any risk assessment carried out.
Once the risk assessment is performed and the necessary measures are in place, it is critical that the standards are upheld, and the risk assessment regularly reviewed to ensure it is still accurate. During the current Covid pandemic, the situation is changing regularly and dramatically, and three months is too long between inspections and meetings. GMB firmly believes that inspections should be much more frequent, and specific to consider primarily Covid issues.
For most workplaces, a weekly inspection and committee meeting should be implemented, to ensure that any issues identified can be urgently addressed. In some workplace where either the Covid risk is high, or workers are grouped into many cohorts (small teams), it may be better to organise daily floor walks, so that cohorts do not have to mix. Whichever method is adopted, the most important consideration is that issues can be quickly identified and addressed, and the information can be quickly shared with the workforce.
GMB expects employers to be updating risk assessments in consideration of the new variants of the virus. Please speak to your local GMB Rep if you have concerns about risk assessments in your workplace.
GMB’s priority remains in keeping our members safe at work which is why throughout the Pandemic we have been regularly updating our Coronavirus Hub with all the information you need to keep yourself safe. You can check it out at: Get It Right | The Coronavirus Hub | GMB
If you have concerns that you may have contracted Covid-19 in the workplace, please record your details on the GMB Risk Register at: COVID-19 Risk Register | GMB
SOCIAL CARE NOTICEBOARDS
You can read and share the latest guidance and advice for social care members on the GMB websites dedicated noticeboards. Please keep checking regularly for updates.
It will be many months before we see a return to any form of ‘normality’. Covid-19 will still present a danger to social care workers and the people you care for. As a result, it means that your GMB Union Representatives may continue to have difficulties visiting you in your workplaces.
However, we want you to know that we are still here. We are considering a variety of ways that we can get information to you and engage with you on your issues in the workplace. One way to do this is to arrange a virtual online meeting for your workplace. If you would like to book one of these please contact your local GMB representative or email PublicServices@gmb.org.uk
ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CORRECT?
It is essential that your membership details are up to date so that we can ensure you are kept up to date with advice and guidance relevant to you.
You can update your details by contacting your local GMB Representative or online using the GMB website at gmb.org.uk/mygmb-edit
You may have heard on the news and Social media that Welsh Government has released details of The Statutory sick pay enhancement scheme, this provides additional financial support to eligible social care workers when they are required to stay off work due to actual or potential exposure to COVID-19. The GMB Union was part of the working group that negotiated this scheme and is continuing to be involved in improving the working lives of GMB members in Social care
This is primarily an infection control measure in that it removes the financial barrier for Socialcare workers whose income reduces significantly to statutory sick pay (SSP) or to no income at all when they should not come into work in order to protect people receiving care. This scheme will support staff to ‘do the right thing’ and stay off work when they may present an infection risk to the vulnerable people to whom they provide care.
The scheme has been developed with the engagement of the trade unions, provider representatives and local authorities.
Welsh Government will provide funding for employers to pay eligible workers at full pay if they can’t work because:
they have symptoms of COVID-19
they have tested positive for COVID-19
they are self – isolating due to being identified as a contact by NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP)
they are self-isolating because a member of their (extended) household is self-isolating
Staff are expected to be tested without delay.
Staff eligible for this scheme are those employed by registered care homes and domiciliary support services and Personal Assistants paid via direct payments. It also covers agency staff, bank/pool staff and staff working for contractors, when providing core daily services that bring them into close contact with people cared for. Full details of the scheme will be available in a guidance document from 30 October on the Welsh Government website.
From the 1st November, all eligible employees should be paid at full pay via your employers usual payroll arrangements (weekly or monthly) for the COVID-19 related absences outlined above.
If you are employed and your hours are irregular, pay should be an average of the last eight weeks. If you are not eligible for SSP, you should be reimbursed 100% of the usual/average pay.
Agency staff are eligible for this scheme when they have been booked for a series of shifts and the worker has completed at least one shift prior to needing to stay off work. The agency should provide the payment, If you are a bank/ pool staff member you will be eligible to receive payment for a series of shifts begun, but not completed, due to COVID-19 related absence, again this would be paid through normal payroll.
IF GMB MEMBERS DO NOT RECEIVE FULL SICK PAY WHEN THEY MEET THE ABOVE CRITERA THEY CAN CONTACT GMB FOR ADVICE & SUPPORT.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
The issue of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in social care has been one of the huge problems faced by GMB members working in social care during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The social care workforce was originally excluded from Government and Public Health Guidance. The GMB was successful in getting this guidance amended.
Key points to note are:
Gloves and aprons should be used for single use only and disposed after each service user / resident contact.
Sessional use means 1 worker, 1 shift.
Gowns or coveralls can be used for an entire session of work in higher risk areas, but staff should not move between Covid and no-Covid areas.
Fluid repellant surgical masks (FRSM) and eye protection can be used for an entire session of work.
PPE must be changed when moving between Covid Positive and Non-Positive residents / service users.
Any PPE that is suitable for reuse (in cases of extreme shortages) is to be reused by that individual only and not shared amongst workers, with appropriate cleaning performed after each use. A detergent product either combined / sequentially with a decontamination product should be used to clean the item, rinsed thoroughly and left to dry.
Reusable face masks should be carefully folded so the outer surface is held inwards and should be stored in a clean sealable bag / box marked with the persons name. Fit checks should be performed each time a respirator is donned if it is reused.
Hand hygiene should be practiced and extended to exposed forearms, after the removal of PPE.
All staff should adhere to social distancing (2 meters) wherever possible, particularly if not wearing PPE and in non-clinical communal areas.
It is essential that all social care staff wear the appropriate PPE. When doing so, staff are reminded that they are entitled to take regular breaks and rest periods, ensuring that you increase your fluid intake. Breaks should be staggered to limit the numbers of staff in communal rest areas.
PASS THIS BULLETIN ONTO YOUR WORK COLLEAGUES AND ASK THEM TO JOIN GMB!
Letter to Welsh Minister for Health & Social Services
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On 25th March, GMB's National Officer for Social Care has written to the Welsh Social Care Minister, in order to express concerns on the UK's Government's plans (reported in the Telegraph) to require mandatory vaccination for Social Care staff.
Kelly Andrews wrote:
GMB believes that this heavy handed, "we-know-best" approach will cause unnecessary anxiety and discontent when our care workers are still struggling with the consequences of the pandemic. GMB is concerned that a mandatory policy will lead employers into removing PPE/social distancing measures which will continue to remain necessary even when the majority of the population is vaccinated, GMB has already seen evidence that some employers are advising the workforce of this. GMB has continually called for employers to educate, encourage, and understand the reasons why any Social care employees may be concerned about receiving the vaccine; GMB is of the view that going down the road of forced vaccination is a dangerous path that could dissuade people from getting vaccinated.
Vaughan Gethin, Health Social Care Minister for Wales, responded:
The overwhelming majority of care home workers have had the vaccine. Whilst we have no plans to change the law to make vaccinations compulsory, we would urge every eligible adult to take-up the offer of the vaccine when it is their turn.
I appreciate your proactive efforts in educating and encouraging your members to take up the vaccine when offered.
GMB continues to advocate proactively and work with the devolved administration in Wales on behalf of our staff.
Any updates from that process will be posted here.
Welsh Minister for Health & Social Services Response to Committee Recommendations
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Dr David Lloyd, Chair for the Welsh Health Social Care and Sport Committee put to Welsh H&SS Minister Vaughan Gething 28 Recommendations on the the Welsh Government's response and policy on Covid 19, from issues around PPE, Testing, Shielding, Test, Trace & Protect Strategy, & Financial Implications for Local Government Funding.
You can read the Minister's full official response, which either accepts, accepts in principal, or rejects, the proposals, here. The majority of proposals were accepted or accepted in principal
The recommendations and responses were as follows:
Recommendation
Response
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. The Welsh Government must, as a matter of urgency:
publish a strategy for securing a resilient supply of PPE;
stockpile appropriate PPE in sufficient quantities for any future outbreak;
keep under review the PPE it has stockpiled to ensure that it remains of adequate quality and is fit for purpose, including that the design and fit is appropriate for all wearers and suitable for staff, patients or carers who are deaf or hearing impaired;
publish a strategy for ensuring resilience of distribution arrangements for PPE;
work with partners to ensure that guidance on PPE is kept up to date in the light of the most recent scientific advice, and communicate this advice clearly to staff.
ACCEPTED
2. The Welsh Government must review its own systems to ensure the mechanisms are in place to enable manufacturers in Wales to respond quickly in supplying appropriate PPE in the event of any future outbreaks. This must include having procurement arrangements that are able to respond in a timely manner.
ACCEPTED
3. The Welsh Government must ensure that third sector organisations providing vital care services have reliable access to appropriate PPE.
ACCEPTED
Testing
4. The Welsh Government, and its partners, must ensure that there is local access to testing for anyone who needs it, as and when they need it. GPs and primary care need to be an integral part of these arrangements.
ACCEPTED
5. The Welsh Government, working with its partners, must ensure an ongoing campaign of clear, consistent and repeated public messaging – at a national and local level – about when to seek a test for Covid-19 and how to do this.
ACCEPTED
6. The Welsh Government should ensure there is similarly clear and consistent messaging about the value of testing, not only in identifying people with the virus but to assist in research and development of future solutions.
ACCEPTED
7. The Welsh Government, working with NHS Wales, must develop a clear plan for regular and repeated testing of health and social care staff, including asymptomatic staff.
ACCEPTED
8. Given the concerns about a future second spike of infection, the Welsh Government, working with its partners, should assess the likely future demand for testing and take steps to ensure there is sufficient capacity so that anyone who needs a test will be able to access one quickly and easily. As part of this, the Welsh Government and partners must remain alive to the development of different types of testing models.
ACCEPTED
9. The Welsh Government must ensure that all patients being discharged from hospital directly into a care home have been tested in accordance with latest best practice to ensure maximum protection for residents and staff.
ACCEPTED
10. The Welsh Government must ensure that:
testing within care homes takes place on a regular and systematic basis,
such tests are administered by suitably trained individuals rather than using home testing kits and
Sufficient capacity is available to support both of the above
ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPAL
REJECTED
ACCEPTED
Shielding
11. The Welsh Government must take steps to: ensure there are no further breaches of patient data going forward, and better communicate with people who have been advised to shield. This needs a clear, well-structured, responsive, timely and transparent approach, and must be an integral part of the future strategy for support to this very vulnerable group of individuals.
ACCEPTED
12. The Welsh Government must re-examine the arrangements with major supermarkets to ensure it can satisfy itself that there will be sufficient capacity for online food shopping and home delivery to meet demand, particularly during the coming winter period.
ACCEPTED
13. The Committee recognises that there is a cohort of people not on the shielded patients list who are otherwise vulnerable or normally rely on online food shopping and delivery services. The Welsh Government must look at how best to identify and offer support to these people.
ACCEPTED
14. The Welsh Government should commission a focused and rapid review of the current arrangements for delivery of medicines to ensure they are robust, reliable, safe and sustainable, and able to meet both current demands and potential future pressures, especially during the winter months.
ACCEPTED
15. The Welsh Government must work in partnership with local authorities to review existing support arrangements for shielded people, and implement improvements as necessary.
ACCEPTED
16. The Welsh Government must ensure that there is clear guidance made available to those who are shielding about accessing routine healthcare services and how to do this safely
ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPAL
17. The Welsh Government must ensure there is clear guidance provided for families and carers of people who are shielding about returning to work, and the support they can expect.
ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPAL
Test, Trace Protect Strategy
18. The Welsh Government must take the opportunity now to review all arrangements to ensure that the scale of the infrastructure, the technological rollout and the necessary recruitment exercises are in place to ensure an efficient and effectively functioning contact tracing system. The system must not be compromised because of a lack of planning, resources or technology, when there has been time to prepare and important opportunities for learning.
ACCEPTED
19, The Welsh Government, working with Public Health Wales, must aim for all test results to be returned within 24 hours.
ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPAL
20. The Welsh Government should move immediately to a system where contact tracing begins either on receipt of a positive test, or within 24 hours.
REJECTED
21. The Welsh Government must ensure there are systems in place to both monitor effectively the false negative rate, and to ensure testing is delivered responsively and flexibly to minimise the false negative rate.
ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPAL
22. In consultation with Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government should:
publish a strategy to increase the number of people presenting for tests in order to utilise more fully the available testing capacity
take steps now to provide assurances that 20,000 tests per day will be able to be delivered
ensure that safeguards are in place to guarantee that capacity from facilities outside Wales is fit for purpose and sufficient to meet demand
ensure that the system is able to respond to increases in demand, and expand to meet these.
ACCEPTED
23. The Welsh Government must, as a matter of urgency review its decisions about the number of staff needed for contact tracing in order to assure itself and the public that the system will be able to function effectively at times of highest demand, and can flex and respond according to changes in demand. It should publish the results of the review.
ACCEPTED
24. The Welsh Government must confirm, as a matter of priority, the financial support package for local authorities to support the employment of professional tracers, rather than depend on redeployment of existing staff.
ACCEPTED
25. The Welsh Government, working with its partners, must ensure a system of clear and repeated public messaging – at a national and local level - about individual responsibilities to self-isolate on symptoms, and the importance of urgent self-referral for testing.
ACCEPTED
26. The Welsh Government must pursue with the UK Government the arrangements for statutory sick pay for social care workers in Wales required to self-isolate. This should be done urgently.
ACCEPTED
27. The Welsh Government must pursue with the UK Government the arrangements for statutory sick pay for social care workers in Wales required to self-isolate. This should be done urgently.
ACCEPTED
Financial Implications for Local Government/Funding
28. The Welsh Government must provide further information about the protocol on cross-border arrangements.
ACCEPTED
Full Sick Pay for Social Care Workers in Wales!
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In a win for GMB that sever as a massive relief to staff, the Welsh Government have made full sick pay available to the social care workforce if they need to isolate!
Read the latest update for Death in Service for social care staff in Wales here:
Noticeboard Bulletin - 19-05-2020
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GMB has written to the Welsh Government to seek consultation on belhalf of our members around a £35m Social Care Package for Wales announced recently, to ensure the money is spend where it is needed to support frontline staff during the coronavirus outbreak.
