Self-isolation exemptions a “gamble with the lives of key workers”

Self-isolation exemptions a “gamble with the lives of key workers”

Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement today (Friday 23 July) that “critical workers”, such as those working in Scotland’s food, transport and health and social care sectors, can apply to be exempt from COVID self-isolation guidance to address staffing shortages, GMB Scotland Secretary Louise Gilmour said:

“The decision taken by the Scottish Government to introduce exemptions for critical workers from self-isolation guidance has been driven by resource, not by what’s safe for the workers or their families.

“It’s not frontline workers following COVID precautions that threatens to put key services at risk, but the cuts, underfunding and understaffing of these services that means we don’t have the capacity we need to respond in times of crisis.

“Whether it’s in the NHS, our social care sector or in our supermarkets, the story is the same: it’s low paid, exhausted and predominantly women workers who have to make sacrifices as a result of the failure of those at the top to plan and invest.

“GMB is urging the Scottish Government to rethink their decision to gamble with the lives of our key workers, before it’s too late.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07525 224527.