Archbishop of York and union leaders issue joint plea over vital PPE supplies

The Archbishop of York has joined forces with union leaders in Yorkshire to call for extra protection for workers who are "on the front line against Covid-19" without vital safety equipment.
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In a joint statement issued to mark International Workers Memorial Day, Dr John Sentamu and Trades Union Congress (TUC) regional secretary Bill Adams have urged people across Yorkshire to join in a minute of silent remembrance at 11am today.

The Archbishop will also call for people to light a candle during this Thursday’s #clapforcarers at 8pm, to remember the key workers, including the 100 health workers, whose lives have already been lost.

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Ministers have come under pressure to supply more vital Personal Protective Equipment to frontline workers. Pic: PAMinisters have come under pressure to supply more vital Personal Protective Equipment to frontline workers. Pic: PA
Ministers have come under pressure to supply more vital Personal Protective Equipment to frontline workers. Pic: PA
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A joint statement issued by the two men says that the lives of workers already lost to coronavirus should not be in vain, and calls for immediate action to ensure all workers have access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

The appeal also encourages workers to raise any concerns about working conditions first with their trade union.

It comes as a survey reveals that a third of doctors treating patients in high-risk Covid-19 settings are often still unable to access adequate PPE.

Ministers have come under mounting pressure over the Government's ability to ensure frontline staff treating coronavirus patients have the protection they need.

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Dr Sentamu said: “Workers should not be sent into danger without the correct PPE – whilst thankful for the efforts made so far, and saluting the bravery of those who have put up with inadequate protection, it is essential now that those on the front line against COVID-19 be given all the safety equipment they need.”

Mr Adams said: “No-one should have to risk their life at work. But that is exactly what is happening when workers aren’t given PPE, or social distancing measures are not enforced, during this coronavirus pandemic.

“Every day frontline workers are being forced to risk their lives because they don’t have the proper protective equipment. And now they are being told just to make do.

“To every key worker out there worried about getting the PPE they need, I say this: your unions will support you if you refuse to work without adequate protection. We have your backs.

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“No-one going into work should have to endanger their own health and put their families and the wider community at risk.”

Employers unsure about the current guidance are advised to visit www.gov.uk and www.hse.gov.uk.