TUC calls on Department for Work and Pensions to make move to help workers access key benefits
The UK is out of step with other major countries that have recognised Covid as a disease that people can get in the course of their work, especially in certain sectors, it says.The umbrella body for British trade unions is urging the Department for Work and Pensions to use its powers to “prescribe” Covid.
“If you become sick due to your work, with life-changing consequences, you should get proper support. But ministers have still not added Covid to the list of occupational diseases,” she said. “Two years into this pandemic that is shocking negligence. And it leaves workers unfairly exposed.”states: “At least 20,000 people die prematurely every year because of occupational disease as a result of occupational disease.
At least 20 of the 50 states in the US presume that many first responders and key workers who get Covid – including paramedics and firefighters – have done so while at work. In Britain, ministers can designate an illness as an occupational disease subject to guidance from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council, an independent body, which assesses the evidence. However, in March last year it published a review which showed that some people were at double the risk of catching Covid if they worked in areas such as nursing, social care, bus or taxi driving, food processing, retail or security work.and Safety Executive and their local council.