Skip to main content
‘Knee-jerk’ policy on Covid exemptions a dangerous mess, say unions
“The problem isn’t workers being pinged, but workers getting coronavirus”
Mick Lynch, Matt Wrack and Gary Smith

THE government’s “knee-jerk” policy on worker exemptions from Covid-19 quarantine must be recalibrated with safety at the fore, unions demanded over the weekend.

As ministers announced the expansion of workplace testing, with 200 new sites to be opened this week for emergency and other “critical” workers, unions demanded a rethink and that ministers talk to them.

The government has faced a barrage of criticism over its attempts to stem the tidal wave of self-isolation notices received by workers, caused by its abandonment of Covid-19 safety measures.

Donate to the Fighting Fund
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Frances O'grady
Britain / 12 August 2021
12 August 2021
NHS clap
Britain / 12 August 2021
12 August 2021
‘Winter of discontent’ is building in NHS, says GMB
Hospital staff on one of five Covid-19 wards at Whiston Hosp
Britain / 9 August 2021
9 August 2021
Urgent new investment demanded as heart surgery queue set to double
Similar stories
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, sp
Interview / 21 December 2024
21 December 2024
The FBU general secretary, currently running for another term, speaks to Ben Chacko about what's needed to reverse 14 years of cuts – and decades of neoliberal deregulation
Bereaved families demonstrate outside Dorland House in Londo
Britain / 6 December 2024
6 December 2024
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, sp
Labour Conference 2024 / 25 September 2024
25 September 2024
MATT WRACK outlines the FBU’s motion to the Labour Party conference, urging an overhaul of safety regulations, an end to privatisation, and preparation for the extreme weather events threatening public safety