Thread by @chrischirp

THREAD: Covid & workplace safety

@IndependentSage workplace safety pledge led by @ReicherStephen launched today.

Make environments safer *and* support staff to isolate if they have Covid.

Thread on why it matters!

#NotToMuchToAsk
#SignUpToTheCovidSafetyPledge

1/8

It's nothing radical - it's asking employers to live up to their legal requirements for safe work places.
It also reassures customers and visitors that they are at less risk in your buildings.

Why does it matter? Here are some charts! 2/8

UK has one of lowest sick pay rates in Europe - so many - particularly those on low incomes - who are sick (for whatever reason, inc Covid) are forced to work when sick. 3/8

Those on lowest incomes are also least able to work from home. This means they are more likely to *catch* covid at work *and* more likely to *pass on* covid at work if they have it. 4/8

And Covid is causing significant disruption - in 2020 it was the 4th most common reason for work sickness absence. What is it now in the Age of Omicron?
Unmitigated workplace covid spread is bad for employees *and* business . 5/8

Unsurprisingly, in 2020, key workers had much higher rates of sickness than others and those in occupations where you can't work at home and mix with many people also had many more deaths than those safe at home (which inc me). 6/8

There is also differential protection - Health care, teaching, white collar occupations have highest vax rates and trades & construction the lowest. Increases need for workplace safety.

Employers can support employees to get vaxxed through paid time off to get vaxxed. 7/8

So @IndependentSage is going to ask employers to sign up to the pledge. You can ask your employer to sign up to the pledge.

Watch our discussion on it today with experts from across UK
8/8

#NotToMuchToAsk #SignUpToTheCovidSafetyPledge

PS thank you so much to Bob Hawkins for pulling these charts together

Of course the bloody hashtag should be #NotTooMuchToAsk. Grr