Ann McGauran 04 May 2020

'High risk' staff are being forced back, claims Unison

Unison is demanding Milton Keynes Council steps back from what it says is a ‘rogue local plan’ to order staff in high risk categories back to work.

The union has claimed social workers, care staff, and other council workers ‘currently off because their health or that of a family member makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 are being forced back to frontline duties’. 

Unison has said this is in breach of national guidance designed to protect workers and their families in high risk categories drawn up for England and Wales by the Local Government Association.

But a spokesman for Milton Keynes Council told The MJ it is ‘following all current Government and public health guidance, and staff who are in the Government’s clinically shielded group are not being asked to return to the workplace’.  

He said the council has not furloughed any staff and all workers ‘are receiving their normal, full pay at this time’.

Photo: © Steven Haslington

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner