Milton Keynes Council called out by UNISON for risking health of vulnerable staff members

    Trade union UNISON has criticised Milton Keynes Council for ordering some of its vulnerable staff, or staff with a vulnerable family member, back to work.

    Various employees such as social workers, care staff, library staff, and school support staff who are currently off because their health, or that of a family member, makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 are being forced to return to frontline duties, according to UNISON.

    It has been reported that this is a breach of national guidance drawn up by the Local Government Association, and as a result, UNISON has demanded that the Council readdress their plan.

    Over the past week, concerns had been raised to both MKFM and UNISON regarding the safety of council staff and their families. 

    Employees in the 'vulnerable' group had claimed that Milton Keynes Council was requesting they return to work when they were previously told that they could stay at home even if it meant they could not fulfil their work roles. 

    In some cases, employees had been told that they can only remain at home if they received a letter from the NHS confirming they were in a 'shielded' group.

    It has been reported by UNISON that these incidents went against the advice issued by the CEO of Milton Keynes Council, Michael Bracey, and the guidance of the National Joint Council (NJC). 

    Ryan Slaughter, UNISON South East regional organiser, said: “All week there have been numerous calls from concerned members of staff worried about the risks to both themselves and their families. This is a deeply stressful time for everybody, but especially those who are vulnerable to the symptoms of coronavirus or who are living with people currently shielding.  

    “Milton Keynes Council is not a special case, like every other council in the country it has a duty to protect those at most risk. Councillors must not break away from sensible national guidelines. UNISON is demanding that the council reverses this dangerous policy that will put lives at risk.”  

    A spokesperson for Milton Keynes Council has since responded to the criticism. They said: "We are following all current Government and Public Health guidance. Council staff who are in the Government’s clinically shielded group are not being asked to return to the workplace.  

    "As a public body, the council has not furloughed any staff and all our workers are receiving their normal, full pay at this time. We are talking to a small number of employees who are currently off work because of their own health concerns or because family members are shielding. We are looking case by case at individual circumstances. We are sensitive to everyone’s situation, though as taxpayers would expect, we are also making sure that where people cannot do their regular work from home we look at alternatives so they can continue to be productive. 

    "Many colleagues have redeployed into essential roles and we thank all our teams for their dedication and hard work."

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