Wales TUC launch whistleblowing hotline for Covid-19 safety fears

• Wales TUC launches online whistleblowing site for workers to report health and safety concerns
• Issues will be relayed to government and the Health and Safety Executive, and local union organisers
• Concerns remain that practices on the ground are not compliant with Welsh Government guidance

The Wales Trades Union Congress is today launching an online whistleblowing hotline for workers to report health and safety concerns linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is encouraging workers to get in touch so that these issues can be reported to Welsh Government and local union organisers.

Hundreds of workers have already been in touch with Wales TUC to raise concerns about workplace safety. Many (see notes below) reported failure to implement social distancing, lack of protective equipment and cleaning measures, and non-essential sharing of tools and clocking-in systems.

Unions are concerned that many workers who can’t work from home are being exposed to unnecessary Covid-19 risk because their employers are not putting adequate safety measures in place, including in the devolved public sector.

While further guidance has been issued by Welsh Government for those working in health and social care settings, trade unions remain concerned that practices on the ground are not yet compliant, and that certain groups – such as pregnant workers – are still especially vulnerable.

Wales TUC believes that stronger enforcement of workplace safety regulations is needed both to protect individual workers and their families, and to slow the spread of the virus. It hopes that the data it gathers through the hotline will form part of a strengthened enforcement effort.

Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj said:

“With coronavirus infections increasing, employers and government have a duty to do all they can to keep their workers safe.

“But many people who have to go into work are raising the alarm about their working conditions, including front line workers. We are hearing all the time from people who aren’t being given proper personal protection equipment or able to socially distance. Guidance continues to be interpreted and applied in a variety of ways.

“No one should have to endanger their own life and put their families and the wider community at risk of the virus spreading. That is why we want to hear from all people who have concerns, and pass those on to unions and government for immediate intervention, actively fighting for their right to a safe and decent workplace”.

Wales TUC’s new whistleblowing hotline can be found at www.tuc.org.uk/wales