HEALTH AND SAFETY REPS - KEEPING MEMBERS SAFE BEFORE, DURING AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC - Usdaw
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THE BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR USDAW ACTIVISTS – MAY/JUNE 2021 HEALTH AND SAFETY REPS KEEPING MEMBERS SAFE BEFORE, DURING AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC RETAIL | DELIVERY | WAREHOUSE | MANUFACTURING |
Due to the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic, distance learning is
now more important than ever and
allows workers to improve their
knowledge and develop new skills
at home. Wranx are working with
Usdaw to provide free online
bite-sized training that can be
accessed on any mobile device.
It’s a new way of learning and
can take as little as a couple of
minutes a day.
From May 2020, certificates will be also be available for any modules
and assessments completed on Wranx. To access your certificate,
simply download the PDF from the Progress page on the Wranx
platform.
A number of new modules have been created to support the personal
development of Usdaw members including:
Working from Home: An Introduction – How to successfully work from
home: stay organised, communicate online, build a workspace and
keep healthy.
Working from Home: Mental Health – The importance of looking after
your mental health, exercising and eating healthily while working
from home.
Foundation Maths (3 modules) – An introduction to the most
important basic maths skills, including numbers and shapes.
Foundation English (2 modules) – An introduction to the most
important basic English skills, including spelling and grammar. ULRs
can sign up to these new modules, as well as any existing ones,
at: unionlearn.ulp.wranx.com
See page 4 for further course details
Welcome | NETWORK
REPS GO BEYOND
Network is published bimonthly and
distributed to Usdaw activists.
THE CALL OF DUTY
F
ollowing a successful
PUBLISHED BY: vaccination programme,
Usdaw Head Office
the UK is looking forward
Voyager Building, 2 Furness Quay,
Salford Quays,
to life returning to some kind
M50 3XZ of normality in the next couple
t: 0161 224 2804 of months.
e: network@usdaw.org.uk For many Usdaw members
w: usdaw.org.uk this is nothing new as they
have been on the frontline of
HEAD OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS the pandemic since March last
Mike Glover year. When others stayed safe
EDITOR at home, shopworkers, drivers,
Saiqa Khushnood members in distribution,
REPORTER manufacturing and in funeral
Sarah Sherborne services have continued to
work tirelessly to ensure that
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Paula Barke
shelves remained stocked,
medicine was available,
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS deliveries were made and
Chris Morris, Ann Murphy, Ruth Cross, other essential tasks were
Debra Blow, Adam Kaczmarek, carried out. contribution of its members
Doug Russell, David Williams.
On top of this, Usdaw reps is not forgotten as we come
PHOTOGRAPHERS have also been juggling their out of this pandemic. We
Della batchelor; Lee Boswell. reps’ duties. The pandemic will continue to lobby the
Via Getty Images: Government for decent pay
had a huge impact on the
Tempura; kali9; Darren Rogers;
role of the rep and many reps and conditions for every
alvarez; katleho Seisa; FG Trade;
had to deal with new issues worker. Our New Deal for
oneinchpunch; chee gin tan.
such as face coverings, social Workers campaign calls for a
ADVERTISING distancing, safety fears and range of measures, including
Century One Publishing increased demands from a minimum wage of £10 per
Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, hour, secure hours, increased
members.
St Albans, AL3 4DG
Despite the increased sick pay and job security.
ACCOUNT MANAGER pressure, the increased We will also demand that
Jack Green demands and worries about any recovery rebuilds our
t: 01727 739 196 their own health and safety, decimated retail sector and
e: jack@centuryonepublishing.uk
Usdaw reps went above revives the high street. And we
and beyond the call of duty. will also work with the trade
©Usdaw 2021 reproduction in whole
or part by any means without written They continued to organise union movement to tackle the
permissions of the publishers workplaces, represent deep-seated inequality that
is strictly forbidden. members, listen to their the virus exposed.
worries and ensured safe
This publisher accepts no responsibility
for errors, omissions or the
working practices were put in
consequences thereof. place.
I want to thank all our reps Usdaw General Secretary
for the incredible work they
have done over the last year.
Usdaw will continue to
work hard to ensure that the
May/June 2021 3
A full list of courses can be accessed on www.usdaw.org.uk/onlinelearninggateway these include: l GCSE Maths Revision (with assessments). l GCSE English Revision (with assessments). l Functional Skills Maths Levels 1 and 2 (with assessments). l Functional Skills English Levels 1 and 2 (with assessments). l Foundation Maths (with assessments). l Foundation English (with assessments). l Everyday English: Punctuation. l An Introduction to Online Security. l Equality and Diversity in the Workplace. l Rights for Younger Workers. l GDPR Awareness. l Raising Awareness: Manual Handling at Work. l An Introduction to COSHH Awareness. l Workplace Upper Limb Disorders. l Raising Awareness: Mental Health. l Raising Awareness: Menopause in the Workplace. l An Introduction to Substance Misuse. l Harmful Gambling. Why use Wranx? l Build your knowledge – Learn and retain information that is crucial for your role. l 2-3 minutes a day – 10 questions a day is all it takes to learn with Wranx. l Anytime, anywhere – Log in on any device whenever it fits your schedule. l Track your progress – Easily track how you are progressing with your training. l Its FREE to union members! Sign up at: www.usdaw.org.uk/onlinelearninggateway
Contents | NETWORK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
REPS' SURVEY
12 | Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis highlights
the key findings from the union's reps' survey.
ADM 2021
18 | Full coverage of the union's Annual Delegate
Meeting held exclusively online.
LEARNING AT WORK
24| Usdaw and Coop Retail Logistics pilot learning
centres at five designated sites.
18
SAFETY REPS IN FOCUS
26 | Network speaks to three amazing members about
their important roles as health and safety reps.
STUC
29 | Usdaw's New Year's Day campaign tops the agenda
at the annual Scottish TUC Congress.
YOUNG WORKERS TUC
30 | Usdaw delegates discuss the disproportionate
affect of the pandemic on young workers.
24
EQUALITIES
34 | Research from Usdaw highlights the devastating
impact of the pandemic on mental health.
HEALTH: EATING DISORDERS
36 | A handy guide for reps on how to support
members with an eating disorder.
REGULARS
03 FOREWORD
26
06 NEWS
11 PUBLICATIONS UPDATE
14 CAMPAIGN NEWS
32 PENSIONS
38 HEALTH & SAFETY
42 MEMBER OFFERS
30 44 STAFF UPDATE
May/June 2021 5
NETWORK | News
IN THE NEWS
Don’t forget to email the editor your view network@usdaw.org.uk
CALL TO UPDATE TORY CRIME BILL
U
sdaw is part of a
coalition, which
includes more
than 30 major retail
businesses, that urged
MPs to avoid shackling
over three million
shopworkers to a ‘life
sentence’ of violence,
abuse and anti-social
behaviour by encouraging
them to back an
amendment to a flagship
Government crime
bill which would offer
frontline workers greater
protection.
However, the
Government is so abused last year and the opposition. Abuse should be tolerated by society,
far rejecting the calls situation had become never be just a part of the and importantly lets
stating that ‘it remains much worse during the job, shopworkers deserve shopworkers – who have
unpersuaded of the need pandemic. So it is very respect and the protection gone to amazing lengths
for a specific offence.’ As disappointing that the of the law.” to feed and care for
previous legislation to Government continues Jo Whitfield, Co- communities throughout
protect shopworkers in to resist calls from across op Retail CEO, said: the pandemic – know that
England and Wales failed the retail industry for “Violence, abuse and they are being listened
at the end of the last new legislation to protect anti-social behaviour to and taken seriously.
Parliamentary session, shopworkers. towards shopworkers Assaults and abuse
the Government is being “When major retail is unacceptable, and should not be part of
urged to change its mind businesses and the it is clear from our the job, and by standing
and bring forward an shopworkers’ trade conversations that there together, I am confident
amendment, or new union jointly call for is appetite across the we can encourage the
clause, to its Police, legislation, it is time political spectrum to bring Government to change
Crime, Sentencing and for the Government to forward new clauses to its mind and bring about
Courts (PCSC) Bill, which listen. In Scotland MSPs the Government’s Crime greater protection for
would deliver greater voted through a new (PCSC) Bill, which would shopworkers in all our
protection for all frontline ground-breaking law to provide the protection communities.”
shopworkers. give shopworkers greater that frontline shopworkers
Usdaw general protection. We are now need and deserve. @UsdawUnion
secretary Paddy Lillis said: looking for MPs to support “Stiffer sentencing will
“Usdaw’s 2020 survey key workers across retail send out a clear message UsdawUnion
showed that nine in 10 and help turn around that criminal behaviour in
UsdawUnion
shopworkers had been the UK Government’s our communities will not
6 May/June 2021
News | NETWORK
SUPPORTING PARENTS AND CARERS SPOTLIGHT DAY 2021
SPOTLIGHT ON IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CARERS
Usdaw’s online Supporting Parents
and Carers Spotlight Day, held on
19 May, highlighted the difficulties
of juggling work with looking after
someone.
Usdaw general secretary Paddy
Lillis said: “We know that three-
quarters of Usdaw members are
juggling their jobs with parental and/
or caring responsibilities. Most are
caring for children, older parents,
grandchildren and sick or disabled
family members. Even at the best of
times it can be difficult to balance
the two and the coronavirus crisis
has added pressure like never
before. health and wellbeing. financial security is being negatively
“The majority of those stepping “Throughout the pandemic affected. The Government needs to
in to provide care during the working parents have largely had do more.”
coronavirus crisis are women in to rely on unpaid or annual leave in Usdaw is campaigning for the
their 40s and 50s in paid work with order to juggle work and childcare. Government to lift the pressure on
dependent children of their own. “Unpaid leave simply is not working parents and carers by:
They are providing even more care a realistic option for low-paid n Introducing a statutory right to
than they were before with fewer parents, most ran out of annual 10 days paid carers and parental
breaks and less support from formal leave and some rearranged their leave, to be made available from
care services. This has left them shifts, but this often means cutting day one of employment.
feeling under pressure, stressed and back on hours and therefore pay. n Improving protection from
exhausted. The disproportionate impact on discrimination and redundancy by
“Government support for carers women’s earnings, their ability strengthening the law.
before the pandemic fell far short of to qualify for statutory sick or n Improving the rate of and
what was needed. Now with more maternity pay and future pension extending the reach of Carers
people than ever providing care, the earnings is particularly worrying. Allowance.
Government must act without delay “In the absence of sufficient n Introducing a temporary legal
to lift the pressure and safeguard statutory workplace rights, parents right enabling parents and carers
carers’ economic and emotional and carers’ mental health and to access the furlough scheme.
WIN
£100 gift vouchers
at WWW.USDAW.ORG.UK/WIN
Sponsored by Usdaw Insurance. www.usdaw.org.uk/uia Closing date 1 August 2021. Terms apply.
Due to the current situation with Covid 19, the voucher will be despatched as soon as possible after the draw has taken place.
May/June 2021 7
NETWORK | News
UNION LEARNING FUND UPDATE
UPSKILLING ENDS IN ENGLAND AT CRUCIAL TIME
Last year the Government Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning work
announced that it would withdraw nation has committed to support in these nations will continue to
all funding from the Union Learning ULF projects in their region for the flourish and the project workers
Fund (ULF) in England from March duration of the projects and all are looking after those regions will
2021. Despite lobbying from keen to continue funding beyond continue to support the excellent
the trade union movement, the that. work that’s been established
Government went ahead with this In Scotland the Government through the various ULF funds.
decision. has agreed to fund
The Union Learning Fund (ULF) ULF projects for a
was set up in 1998 to support further two years,
workers in accessing learning and up until April 2023,
training in workplaces. The fund with Northern Ireland
was worth £11 million per year committing to do the
and around 200,000 workers were same. Wales has an
supported into learning or training existing project which
with union support through the ULF will continue until at
and the TUC. least April 2022 but
Although the Government have already stated
savagely cut the ULF in England, it they will look to fund
continues to be supported across a further round of
the devolved nations of Wales, projects. This means
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News | NETWORK
THE QUEEN’S SPEECH 2021
IN BRIEF
SAINSBURY’S LOW-PAID WORKERS IGNORED
Sainsbury’s is to cut 500
head office jobs while Usdaw expressed disappointment ensure that retail jobs are no longer
another 650 jobs are at that the Government failed to include underpaid and undervalued. There
risk as the supermarket in the Queen’s Speech the union’s also has to be fundamental reform
closes one of its online calls for: a new deal for workers to of universal credit to tackle in-work
grocery packing centres. ensure they are valued, respected poverty.
Supermarkets have and have fairly paid secure jobs; “We are also concerned by the lack
been one of the main reform of universal credit to tackle of acknowledgement that the UK retail
beneficiaries of consumer in-work poverty or a plan to revive our sector has been severely impacted
spending during the struggling high streets. by the coronavirus pandemic and
coronavirus pandemic. Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis desperately needs an urgent retail
But the surge in online said: “This was a missed opportunity recovery plan that provides necessary
shopping, which is less to reward the millions of low-paid support for the industry.
profitable than selling via workers who provided essential “Usdaw is looking for a protection
stores and the need to services to help ensure the country of shopworkers amendment to the
provide protective kit and is fed, healthy and safe throughout Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill, in
additional staff to cover for the coronavirus pandemic. By not the coming parliamentary session,
those off sick or shielding delivering on the Conservative to tackle the growing problem of
during the pandemic, have manifesto promise of an Employment violence, threats and abuse against
all hit supermarket profits. Bill, the Government is failing to ‘build retail staff, which doubled during the
back better’ as we drift back to pre- pandemic and remains high.
THORNTONS covid inequalities and injustices. “The legislative programme
Chocolate maker “Usdaw members need lasting announced goes nowhere near
Thorntons did not reopen and fundamental changes to the way delivering on the Prime Minister’s
their stores after lockdown society views all workers. We need promises to ‘levelling up’ and to
restrictions were lifted. a New Deal for Workers: a minimum ‘build back better’. This shows that
The decision to close its wage of at least £10 per hour, an end they are just empty soundbites and
61 shops will put more to insecure employment, respect that is deeply disappointing for our
than 600 jobs at risk. The for shopworkers and action to members.”
company said it had been
badly hit by the pandemic,
which forced its stores to
shut their doors during
the crucial Christmas and
Easter holidays.
JOHN LEWIS
John Lewis did not reopen
eight of its stores once
lockdown restictions
eased, which put 1,465
jobs at risk. The chain
has now axed around a
third of its stores in less
than a year. John Lewis
Partnership said it now
expects between 60-70
per cent of John Lewis
sales in the future to be
made online.
May/June 2021 9
NETWORK | News
STUC LGBT+ CONFERENCE 2021
IN BRIEF
IMPROVING VISIBILITY AND ASDA
ADDRESSING INEQUALITY Asda is to stop baking
products such as bread
and pastries in store at its
341 supermarkets, putting
1,200 jobs at risk. In future,
Asda’s baked products
will be made in a central
bakery and then warmed
in stores. The latest job
cuts come less than two
months after Asda said
5,000 jobs were at risk
from the closures.
TUI
TUI is planning to close
An Usdaw delegation of members the coronavirus crisis on LGBT+ 48 more retail stores
and officials attended this year’s workers has been absent from in the UK, a move that
online Scottish Trade Union much of the narrative surrounding will affect 273 staff. The
Congress (STUC) Lesbian, Gay, the pandemic both in Scotland and news comes after TUI
Bisexual, Transgender, Plus (LGBT+) across the UK. announced last year that
Conference. Usdaw highlighted the “We welcome the ongoing 166 shops that closed due
impact of the coronavirus pandemic work trade unions and LGBT+ led to the pandemic would
on LGBT+ workers and sought to organisations are carrying out not reopen, which at the
address longstanding inequality to consult LGBT+ members and time was nearly a third of
issues that have been entrenched make visible their experiences and its total.
still further by the crisis. concerns during the pandemic.
Usdaw general secretary “In a recent Usdaw survey, over
Paddy Lillis said: “There can be 4,000 members took the time to KEEP INFORMED
no doubt that the inequality and share their experiences of working For all the up-to-date
discrimination LGBT+ people face through the crisis and the impact Usdaw news visit the
has been made worse by the this has had on their mental health. union’s website:
coronavirus crisis. Long standing The survey found that almost three www.usdaw.org.uk/news
inequalities in accessing community quarters felt anxious about going to
and financial support, healthcare, work, triggered by fears of catching
housing and employment have all the virus and customer abuse and
been exacerbated and it is highly
likely these inequalities will persist
harassment. Many LGBT+ members
reported experiencing phobic abuse MEMBERSHIP
and deepen unless urgent action from customers.
is taken by the Government to “This was the case before FOR WEEK ENDED
systematically monitor and address the pandemic, but policing face 22 MAY 2021
the specific needs of LGBT+ people. coverings and social distancing have
“Anyone can experience a mental made a bad situation worse. South Wales
health problem at any time but “The Covid-19 crisis has dominated & Western 44,384
discrimination, poverty, prejudice all our lives and regrettably Eastern 55,124
and bigotry all heighten the risk for side-lined many important issues Midlands 52,011
LGBT+ workers. that we have campaigned on over North Eastern 53,592
“Due to the absence of sexual the years. We have to ensure that Scottish 39,967
orientation and trans status those campaigns continue and Southern 56,502
monitoring questions in the Scotland that we build back better after the North West 81,316
Census, evidence of the impact of pandemic.” Total 382,896
10 May/June 2021Usdaw Courses & Publications | NETWORK
NEW IN!
Leaflets & Booklets
How much has been lost to
pension scammers?
(Lft 452)
The Crisis in Retail – Usdaw’s Case
for a Retail Recovery Plan
Survey Results 2020: Campaign to
end violence and abuse against
retail workers
Online Courses
ABCs of ICT – IT bitesize course
www.usdaw.org.uk/ABCsofIT
Health and Safety during Covid-19
www.usdaw.org.uk/Covid19course
CV Writing – IT bitesize course
www.usdaw.org.uk/cvwriting
Vulnerable Workers Home Study
www.usdaw.org.uk/homestudy5
Health and Safety Reps Part 1
www.usdaw.org.uk/HSReps1
Health and Safety Reps Part 2
KEEPING UP-TO-DATE
www.usdaw.org.uk/HSReps2
Health and Safety Reps Part 3
www.usdaw.org.uk/HSReps3
ON RIGHTS AT WORK Helping With Homework - bitesize
maths course
www.usdaw.org.uk/mathshomework
As reps it’s vital to stay updated with the latest
The Impact of Covid-19 on
rules and regulations surrounding workers’ rights Domestic Violence
www.usdaw.org.uk/CovidandDV
N
o matter where you work or of union membership, by
Looking After Your Mental Health
where you’re recruiting, our pointing out the difference
www.usdaw.org.uk/yourmentalhealth
newly updated Workers’ Rights between the basic rights and those
Guide will help you stay informed. Usdaw has negotiated at your Staying Safe Online
Featuring comprehensive workplace. As we come www.usdaw.org.uk/SafeOnline
information on all aspects out of lockdown and union
of statutory (basic) rights, activity begins to return to normal, Union Learning Rep Part 1:
contractual rights, protection make sure you’re fully equipped Lifelong Learning and Usdaw
www.usdaw.org.uk/ULRHB1
from discrimination and family and ready to answer questions
and maternity rights, the guide is from members and potential Union Learning Rep Part 2:
essential reading for both full and members. The Role of the ULR
part-time workers. You could also Check out the guide at: www.usdaw.org.uk/ULRHB2
use it to demonstrate the benefits dtp.usdaw.co.uk/211
Union Learning Rep Part 3:
The Online Learning Gateway
www.usdaw.org.uk/ULRHB3
For a complete list of Usdaw publications and to order visit:
Using Zoom
dtp.usdaw.co.uk/PublicationsCatalogue www.usdaw.org.uk/zoom
May/June 2021 11NETWORK | Rep Survey 2021
REP SURVEY
RESULTS 2021
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis highlights some of they key findings
including experience during Covid, training, communications and campaigns
T
he coronavirus crisis has crisis and the work that has been reps, health and safety reps and
brought about many challenges done. union learning reps. I want to thank
across the union. To ensure the union continues everyone who took the time to
Despite this, Usdaw reps have gone to do everything we possibly can to contribute.
above and beyond the call of duty, support you in your essential role, The union is currently reviewing
organising workplaces, representing we have recently surveyed all reps. all responses to the survey and will
members and ensuring safe working This survey looked at the service and develop an action plan to ensure we
practices. support that the union has provided, continue to support and develop
I cannot begin to tell you how particularly during the pandemic. reps.
immensely proud I am of the way The union was delighted to receive Here is a summary of the key
that reps have responded to the 1,500 responses to the survey from findings:
12 May/June2021Rep Survey 2021 | NETWORK
KEY FINDINGS: employer had ensured that the sources of information. It was also
n Eighty-five per cent of reps have correct policies and procedures clear throughout that reps really
had an induction and nearly eight were in place to protect members value their interactions with area
in 10 have attended basic training. during the crisis. However, nearly organisers.
n Nine in 10 reps find Usdaw emails a quarter disagreed or strongly
either useful or very useful. disagreed. CAMPAIGNS
n Over half of reps believe their role Throughout the pandemic Usdaw’s campaigning work has
has had a greater impact on the the union has negotiated with become increasingly important
safety and welfare of members employers to ensure appropriate during the crisis. Since the start
during the crisis. Just under half policies that protect the wellbeing of the pandemic, the union has
also believe there have been more of members. Reps have played an worked tirelessly to ensure that
demands from members. essential role in ensuring that the the incredible contributions of reps
n Seven in 10 reps have felt agreed policies are put in place. and members are recognised right
supported by the union during the across society.
crisis. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Around nine in 10 reps agreed
n Nearly nine in 10 reps feel the The survey also looked at the that the union has ensured that
union has ensured politicians training and support available for politicians understand the issues
understand the issues facing our reps. Eighty-five per cent of reps faced by Usdaw members. Reps
members during the crisis. surveyed have had an induction and felt well-informed on many of our
nearly eight in 10 have attended high-profile campaigns, including
EXPERIENCE DURING COVID basic training. In addition, the Freedom From Fear, New Deal
The virus has clearly had a majority of long standing reps, those for Workers and Mental Health
significant impact on the role of with greater than two years’ service, Awareness.
Usdaw reps in the workplace. From have attended an advanced training Whether calling for protection
having to deal with new issues such course and a rep development of shopworkers, improvements to
as face coverings or social distancing review. workers’ rights or action to save
to increased fears over the risk of I am pleased to see that so many the High Street, the crisis has
getting ill at work. Over half of the reps are getting the training and highlighted the need for these key
reps surveyed believe their role support they need. campaigns. The survey results have
had a greater impact on the safety As a result of the crisis, newer shown that Usdaw’s campaigns are
and welfare of members during the reps are less likely to have received understood right across the union
crisis. This demonstrates the vital training. As we hopefully look and that our reps see the need to
work reps do in standing up for our towards the end of the crisis, Usdaw deliver on our key goals.
members. will continue to prioritise rep and
In addition, nearly half of reps felt training development. FUTURE WORK
there had been more demands from A significant number of reps The union is now currently reviewing
members. surveyed indicated they would all responses we received to the
I am fully aware that the be interested in attending Usdaw survey and developing a plan of
pressures on reps have increased events online and this is something action on how we can improve
during the crisis. The union has we will continue to look at how we the service we provide to reps. I
worked incredibly hard to improve can deliver. will ensure that the outcomes of
communication with reps and I the survey form a key part of our
encourage all reps to get in touch COMMUNICATIONS ongoing support and developing
with your area organiser if you ever Since the start of the pandemic, reps programme.
need support. the union has worked hard to keep Once again, I would like to thank
Considering the increased reps and members updated through all of our reps for the incredible
pressures and demands, it was regular email updates, articles in work they do in the workplace and
especially pleasing that seven in 10 the union’s magazines and the confirm that the union is committed
reps surveyed felt supported by the Coronavirus Hub on the website. I to supporting you in your role.
union during the crisis. Furthermore, know for many reps, these updates
over three quarters have been able have proven incredibly valuable.
to get in contact with someone from Nine in 10 reps reported finding
the union when necessary. the email updates useful or very FOR FUTHER INFO
In terms of broader support useful. Over seven in 10 reps also www.usdaw.org.uk/Help-Advice
from their employer, six in 10 reps found the website and arena and
agreed or strongly agreed that their Network magazines to be useful
May/June 2021 13NETWORK | Campaign News
CAMPAIGNS
Keeping you up-to-date on Usdaw’s priorities
USDAW CALLS TO IMPROVE SICK PAY
U
sdaw has expressed
disappointment that
the 50p increase to
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
is not enough and that
£96.35 per week, is still
far too low. SSP does not
provide the necessary
financial support for
millions of low-paid
workers who have to take
time off because they
are ill, self-isolating or
shielding.
Usdaw renews its
call for a New Deal for attend work while ill. pharmaceutical 16 hours per week, for
Workers and urges the “Statutory sick pay is distribution and the everyone who wants
Government to: simply not enough to funeral industry welcomed it, that reflects normal
n Improve SSP so it survive on and workers their key worker status, hours worked and a ban
reflects average pay, earning less than £120 but that respect and on zero-hour contracts.
rather than the current per week aren’t entitled appreciation must not n Better sick pay for all
£96.35 per week. to any statutory sick pay fade into the background workers, from day one,
n Pay SSP to low paid at all. People who are ill when this crisis passes. at average earnings.
workers – those earning shouldn’t be worrying “There must be lasting n Protection at work –
below the lower about their finances, and and fundamental change abuse is not a part of
earnings limit of £120 they shouldn’t be forced to the way society views the job.
per week currently do into work due to worries all workers. We need a n A proper social security
not qualify for SSP. about paying their bills. New Deal for Workers: a system, Universal Credit
n Commit to paying Sick pay needs to be minimum wage of at least does not provide a
SSP from day one paid from day one, at an £10 per hour, an end to safety net.
of absence for all individual’s normal rate of insecure employment, n Job security, with day
absences, removing pay, and it should be paid respect for shopworkers one employment rights
any reference to three to all workers. and action to ensure for unfair dismissal and
waiting days. “Millions of low-paid that retail jobs are no redundancy.
Usdaw general workers have provided longer underpaid and n Fair treatment and
secretary Paddy Lillis said: essential services undervalued.” equality for all workers,
“Usdaw has long called for to help ensure the Usdaw’s New Deal for including equal pay.
significant improvements country is fed, healthy Workers calls for: n A voice at work, stop
to SSP. The coronavirus and safe throughout n £10 minimum wage rogue employers
crisis has highlighted that the pandemic. Usdaw for all workers, ending refusing to engage with
SSP is too low, meaning members employed rip-off youth rates and trade unions.
that workers are plunged in supermarkets, the providing a living wage. www.usdaw.org.uk/
into poverty or forced to food supply chain, n Minimum contract of newdeal
14 May/June 2021Campaign News | NETWORK
HIGH TIME FOR CHANGE
NEW COMMISSION TASKED WITH RETAIL REBUILD
U
sdaw welcomed a new
independent Commission on
Rebuilding Our High Streets,
launched by Labour, which brings
together experts from retail, leisure
and hospitality businesses, as well as
representatives of the trade union,
local government, co-operative and
social enterprise sectors.
Usdaw’s general secretary Paddy
Lillis will sit on the commission,
which will meet regularly over the
course of the next six months to
offer independent advice to the
Labour Party on issues such as:
n How the high streets of the 2020s
and beyond can be supported
to thrive, as great places where
people can shop, socialise, meet, further exacerbated by the rapid our local high streets in terms of the
work and live. shift to online shopping, which jobs and services they provide for
n Bringing empty commercial has grown by 46 per cent over our local communities.
properties back into use for the last 10 months. The longer- “We all need to look strategically
existing and new businesses. term challenges facing the sector at what we want our high streets
n Levelling the playing field between combined with the impact of the to look like, how we achieve that,
bricks and mortar businesses and pandemic has and will continue to and how it can be made to be
online firms. be catastrophic for the high street. sustainable for the long term.
n Promoting entrepreneurship and “That’s why the work of this
innovation in our high streets, CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD commission is so important and I am
reflecting the needs of local “Aside from the direct impact on pleased to speak for retail workers
communities. jobs, the crisis will result in gaping on it.”
Usdaw general secretary Paddy holes in high streets that sit at Usdaw’s retail recovery plan
Lillis said: “The UK retail sector has the heart of town centres and calls for the following immediate
been impacted by the coronavirus communities. measures:
pandemic on an unprecedented “Landlords will struggle to fill n Extend the current business rates
scale. For an industry already facing properties; not least given the holiday to at least the end of the
significant challenges the long-term impact of the pandemic on the year and fundamentally reform
impact will be severe. hospitality sector that prior to 2020 this outdated and imbalanced
“Physical non-food retailers were had been keen to occupy the spaces commercial property tax.
among the hardest hit and have vacated by retailers in recent years. n An online sales levy set at 1 per
been struggling under the pressure “Beyond the impact on business cent, to raise around £1.5bn that
of lockdowns and public health the pandemic is taking a heavy toll could fund a cut in business rates
restrictions, costing stores billions in on retail workers. of around 20 per cent.
lost sales. “When the chancellor Rishi Sunak n Extend the moratorium on shop
“When shops are allowed to delivered his budget on 3 March evictions for rent arrears and
reopen, retailers will face further 2021, outlining the UK’s economic find a wider solution around
challenges and there are big recovery plan to protect jobs and unpaid rents, with contributions
questions about how many high livelihoods, there was no sustained from retailers, landlords and
street retailers will survive the support for those retail businesses Government.
coming months. most impacted by the pandemic. www.usdaw.org.uk/
“The crisis in retail has been “At Usdaw we know the value of retailrecovery
May/June 2021 15NETWORK | Campaign News
INCREASE IN ABUSE AGAINST SHOPWORKERS
USDAW CALLS FOR LEGISLATION TO PROTECT STAFF
I
n April Usdaw gave evidence to
the influential Home Affairs Select
Committee outlining the need for
legislation to protect retail staff.
Over the past few years, the union
has seen an alarming increase in
the levels of abuse and violence
towards shopworkers. More
recently, shocking results from an
Usdaw survey carried out at the
height of the coronavirus pandemic
reveal just how bad the situation has
become.
Throughout the outbreak,
retail workers have been spat at,
threatened of being infected with
coronavirus and physically assaulted
by customers while they have been
providing an essential service in very
difficult circumstances.
Results from Usdaw’s 2020 survey
of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK influential House of Commons Home assaulting, threatening, or abusing a
found that 79 per cent said abuse Affairs Select Committee launched retail worker.
was worse last year. their inquiry. Usdaw general secretary Paddy
The survey found that: Lillis said: “Our latest survey
n 88 per cent experienced verbal SUCCESS IN SCOTLAND results clearly show the scale of
abuse. In January, the Scottish Parliament the appalling violence, threats
n 60 per cent were threatened by a unanimously voted for a ground- and abuse faced by shopworkers
customer. breaking new law to protect and demonstrate the need for a
n 9 per cent were assaulted. shopworkers. Usdaw campaigned ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.
for many years to secure these legal It has been a terrible year for our
PETITION FOR CHANGE protections. members, with almost 90 per cent of
In light of the continued increase In addition, Crimestoppers shopworkers suffering abuse, two-
in violence and abuse towards Scotland launched a joint campaign thirds threatened and nearly one in
shopworkers, Usdaw general to raise awareness and stop 10 assaulted. We are saying loud and
secretary Paddy Lillis launched abuse of shopworkers. The key clear that enough is enough, abuse
a House of Commons petition to message is to ‘speak up 100 per should never be part of the job.
create a specific offence of abusing, cent anonymously about attacks “The UK Government has
threatening or assaulting a retail on shopworkers’. This joint venture persistently opposed new
worker with a penalty that acts as a is crucial to the new law having legislation, offering little more than
deterrent. the desired impact by making sure sympathy and objecting to the Alex
The petition gained widespread criminals understand that assaulting Norris protection of shopworkers bill
media attention when it was and abusing shopworkers is totally in the House of Commons. However,
launched in August last year with unacceptable. we had a great result in Scotland,
Usdaw officials and reps making over as MSPs voted through ground-
80 appearances on TV and radio. CALL FOR NEW OFFENCE breaking legislation.
The petition secured over 100,000 In February, 66 senior retail “We are pleased to have the
signatures, enough to trigger a leaders wrote to the Prime Minister opportunity to make the case to the
debate in Parliament. urging the UK Government to select committee and look forward
In response to the petition, the create a new statutory offence of to their report in due course.”
16 May/June 2021Campaign News | NETWORK
HOLYROOD FINALLY READY TO LISTEN
NE’ER DAY TRADING PETITION SECURES DEBATE
U
sdaw has secured a a step forward in our campaign to the call for a proper festive break.
commitment from the Scottish get a proper break for shopworkers “However this is not just a
Government to consult on large over the festive period. We are campaign for the pandemic, our
stores closing on New Year’s Day. disappointed that the minister members have for many years
The union submitted a petition to has not set out a timetable for the demanded a proper break after
the Scottish Parliament and spent a consultation and we will continue to the extremely busy and stressful
year providing evidence to convince press for further progress. shopping period in the run-up to
the Public Petitions Committee to Christmas. Ninety-eight per cent
press ministers to make progress on A PROPER BREAK say that large stores should be
a consultation. “As key workers delivering the closed and only 4 per cent are happy
Jamie Hepburn MSP (Minister for essential service of keeping the to work on New Year’s Day or 2
Business, Fair Work and Skills) has nation fed, shopworkers deserve a January. Hogmanay and New Year
written to Usdaw confirming that decent break over the festive period. is a special holiday, but this is not
the Scottish Government will now They have worked long hours in reflected in the experience of many
conduct the necessary consultation, difficult circumstances throughout retail workers, with three-quarters
as set out in the Christmas Day and the pandemic, faced unprecedented saying they spend too little time with
New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) levels of abuse and worried every friends and family.
Act 2007. However, no timetable has working day about catching the “On behalf of Scotland’s
yet been set for the consultation. virus and taking it home to their retail workers we are urging the
Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional families. The very least that key Scottish Government to open the
Officer Stewart Forrest said: workers in retail can expect is that consultation so that the legislative
“Confirmation that a consultation the Scottish Government shows processes can be completed in time
on large stores closing on New their appreciation for the essential for 1 January 2022.”
Year’s Day will now take place, after work they’ve done throughout this www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/
an unnecessary 14-year delay, is appalling pandemic by progressing New-Years-Day-Working
HOUSE OF COMMONS HOME AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE
RETAIL CRIME INCREASED DUE TO POLICE CUTS
P
olicing Minister Kit Malthouse come clean and acknowledged that appropriate action will be taken in
MP was quizzed by the House of police cuts over the last 10 years had the courts. Creating a specific law to
Commons Home Affairs Select led to an increase in retail crime. protect shopworkers will give them
Committee on violence, threats “Our latest survey lays bare the more confidence to report assaults
and abuse of shopworkers. Under scale of the appalling violence, and abuse.
questioning from the committee threats and abuse faced by “When retail CEOs, leading retail
chair Yvette Cooper MP, the minister shopworkers and demonstrates bodies and the shopworkers’ trade
accepted the police lacked resources the need for a ‘protection of union jointly call for legislation, it is
and said that recruiting more shopworkers’ law. time for the Government to listen.
officers could make a difference. “However the minister today In Scotland, MSPs voted through a
However, the minister refused again refused to accept the need new ground-breaking law to give
to admit that cutting significant for a protection of shopworkers shopworkers the protection they
police numbers had contributed to law. He knows that too many cases deserve.
increased retail crime and abuse of go unreported simply because “We are now looking for MPs to
shopworkers. shopworkers don’t have the support key workers across the
Usdaw general secretary Paddy confidence that they will get a retail sector and help turn around
Lillis said: “The minister should have response from the police or that the UK Government’s opposition.”
May/June 2021 17NETWORK | ADM 2021
ADM: NOT AS
WE KNOW IT
U
sdaw delegates gathered asked to discuss propositions in A bit different to normal: Behind the scenes at the digital AD
online to attend Usdaw’s 74th the Final agenda ahead of the event
Annual Delegate Meeting and then cast their votes during the
(ADM), which was held on Sunday 25 conference.
and Monday 26 April. Delegates took part in the
Around 600 delegates, visitors debates on the three Executive
and officials from across the UK Council statements: All in it Together;
participated in the online event. Job Safety and a New Deal; and Politics
Those who attended also heard for Recovery.
key speeches from Labour party Both the president Amy Murphy
leader Keir Starmer and TUC general and general secretary Paddy Lillis
secretary Frances O’Grady. paid heartfelt tributes to the work of
General secretary Paddy Lillis, reps and members who have been
deputy general secretary Dave on the frontline of the coronavirus
McCrossen and president Amy crisis and reflected on a terrible
Murphy hosted their first online twelve months of the pandemic.
ADM and national executive council Paddy Lillis said: “I cannot put into
member Kate MacLeod ensured words how proud I am of what our
the smooth running of her first members have done on the frontline
ADM as chair of the standing orders during the pandemic, working
Pictured L-R: General secretary Paddy Lillis: Deputy
committee. Due to the conference extremely hard to ensure that food general secretary Dave McCrossen: President Amy
being hosted online, branches were remained on the shelves.” Murphy and chair of standing orders Kate MacLeod
ALL IN IT TOGETHER
THE UNEQUAL IMPACT OF THE COVID CRISIS
Usdaw deputy general secretary insecurity and inequality. faced by many workers on the
Dave McCrossen moved the “It has shown that the workers frontline – mostly women workers.
executive council statement All in who keep the country going, many of “Pregnant women have
it together – The Unequal Impact of them Usdaw members, are too often faced anxiety, uncertainty and
the Coronavirus Crisis. He spoke on underpaid and undervalued, and it discrimination over this period,
how the pandemic dramatically has shone a stark light on the deep losing pay or work, with their health
exposed the structural inequalities and persistent structural inequalities and safety poorly protected. Women
in our society. With women, many of which cut across the UK. have also carried a disproportionate
them young women, Black workers, “There is no doubt that we have all burden of unpaid care, filling the
disabled and LGBT workers bearing been affected by the pandemic, but gaps left by the closure of schools,
the biggest health and economic as this executive council statement nurseries and social care settings,
risks from the crisis. shows, the health and economic losing hours of work, pay and in too
Dave McCrossen said: “The impact of the virus has not been the many cases their jobs.
coronavirus pandemic has exposed same for everyone. “This crisis has exposed the
the reality of contemporary Britain. “The crisis has highlighted the low deep structural race inequalities
A country defined by poverty, pay and poor working conditions that exist in our society and the
18 May/June 2021ADM 2021 | NETWORK
DM
position of Black workers in the UK media debate. they must do this now.
labour market. Tragically it took the “Over half of those who have died “The pandemic has increased
disproportionate number of deaths from the virus or from a related their invisibility and left many
of BME workers to bring the truth illness are disabled, even without thousands feeling isolated and
about racism in society and the the impact of the pandemic, we alone. The closure of LGBT specific
workplace into the light. know that households where spaces, the inability to get together
“BME workers are more likely to someone is disabled or a carer are with others in their communities, or
be in low paid and insecure work. more likely to be in poverty. their experience of being trapped in
They are more likely to experience “And Covid-19 has made a bad households unaccepting or hostile
abuse and harassment at work – situation worse, as disabled people to their identities, has all taken a
as they are concentrated in roles and carers face rising costs on heavy toll.
that are more likely to bring them reduced incomes, they are at the Conference, make no mistake, the
into conflict with the public, they front of the queue when it comes to unequal impact of the coronavirus
are more likely to be working in redundancy, and the back when it pandemic is no accident, in the
sectors of the economy that are comes to employment or promotion. words of Baroness Lawrence, ‘It has
non-unionised, and so less likely “Let us not forget the unequal been generations in the making’.
to benefit from the work done by impact of the pandemic on the “The impact of Covid-19 is not
unions to negotiate safe working LGBT community. For far too many random, but foreseeable and
practices, pay protection and job LGBT workers, their experience inevitable.
security. of the world of work continues to “It is the consequence of decades
“The impact of this crisis on be marred by hostility, stigma and of structural injustice, inequality
disabled people and working carers unfair treatment. and discrimination that blights our
has been immense and yet their “Many already felt the need to society.
experiences have been absent from hide their sexuality or trans status in “We are in the middle of an
much of the public, political and the workplace pre-Covid – more feel avoidable crisis.”
May/June 2021 19NETWORK | ADM 2021
POLITICS FOR RECOVERY
CAMPAIGNING FOR POLITICAL CHANGE
Usdaw general secretary Paddy “While our immediate priority is
Lillis moved the executive council to get out of this crisis we must also
statement Politics for Recovery. make sure that those big, long-term,
Paddy Lillis said: “The pandemic issues are addressed. Because
has changed how we campaign and the recovery cannot, and must
carry out the political work of the not, mean continuing with the old
union. We’ve been less able to bring inequalities and injustices.”
groups of our members together or
to campaign physically on our high MEMBER EXPERIENCES
streets and in our communities. “The union was built upon the
“But two things haven’t changed: collective strength of our members
Firstly, we are still faced with a and it is together that we will Iain Dalton
Boris Johnson-led Conservative continue to achieve our aims,” said
Government. A Government whose Paddy. “We will continue to use all of
majority is so big, that there are few the tools at our disposal, from public
blocks to their ambitions or their facing campaigns on the streets
many mistakes.” in our communities, to focussed
lobbying in UK parliaments.
CAMPAIGNING AND ORGANISING “This is the key strength of our
“The other thing that hasn’t changed union and our movement. The
is the fundamental reason why experiences of our members and
we, as a trade union, are involved their direct involvement in our
in politics in the first place,” said campaign work and we know that
Paddy. “The union exists to improve these methods work. More and
its members’ lives. Sometimes this more, the policy priorities of our Lynn Goodwin
can be achieved through industrial members are seen as the priorities
organising. Sometimes it has to be for our wider communities and for
done through political organising. the governments of the UK.
“The crisis in retail, the scandal of “From a focus on high streets DELEGATE COMMENTS
in-work poverty, the pittance that is and the problems facing the retail
statutory sick pay, the massive flaws sector, to the acceptance by the Iain Dalton F148
in the universal credit system and Scottish Parliament, after many “Councils do not consult with
the appalling abuse against public years of hard work and campaigning, trade unions when it comes to the
facing workers, all of these issues that retail workers do need and relaxation of opening hours. We
have come to the fore and there is a deserve stronger legal protection should be demanding that Labour-
new sense of urgency about tackling from abuse and violence. Thanks run councils consult with Usdaw on
them. to that hard work, Daniel Johnson Sunday trading. Our councils should
MSP’s Protection of Workers Bill was also be pushing for services such
passed unanimously. And we will not as buses to be in public control.
SUBS INCREASE rest until that protection is shared We need to take up these issues
Delegates voted by every retail worker in the rest of proactively and we can do that by
overwhelmingly to increase the UK too. standing in local elections.”
membership rates by 6p a “We will always campaign to
week. make our members’ lives better Lynn Goodwin K234
This means from 27 June and these successes show why “Unions must stand together and
2021 Scale A members will our involvement in politics is so fight. We can never forget where we
pay £2.54 a week and Scale important. There can be no real, come from. We have to listen to the
C members will pay £1.67 a fundamental and long-lasting grassroots. They must be included
week. improvement to our members’ lives and listened to. We all need to stand
without political success.” shoulder-to-shoulder.”
20 May/June 2021ADM 2021 | NETWORK
JOBS, SAFETY AND A NEW DEAL
PUTTING KEY WORKERS FIRST
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis payments in recognition of our
moved the executive statement members’ hard work. However, each
Jobs, Safety and a New Deal. Despite and every agreement was reliant on
the incredible contribution retail effective workplace reps, ensuring
workers made during the pandemic agreed safety measures were
there is no commitment from the put into place and enforced. The
Rachel Goodwin
Government to raise the wages of outstanding efforts of Usdaw reps
key workers. and officials protected the safety of
“Despite legitimate health members and their communities,
concerns, and unacceptable levels and truly demonstrated the benefits
of abuse from customers, Usdaw of union membership and organised
members worked tirelessly, making workplaces.
sure that everyone could get access “All too often over the past 12
to the food they needed,” said months, the lowest paid, and other
Paddy. “It is simply no exaggeration disadvantaged groups have been
to say that the remarkable efforts of disproportionately impacted by the
Usdaw members kept the UK going. virus. It is unacceptable that low
“As the crisis deepened and paid workers cannot afford to put
the Government announced the food on the table, that retail workers
first national lockdown. The union face abuse at work and that so
Jason Phillips
quickly ensured that our members many workers are still on insecure
were correctly recognised as key contracts – causing them anxiety
workers. and mental health issues.
“Usdaw also rapidly reached “Over the last 12 months, Usdaw
agreements with major employers has committed significant resources
to protect the clinically vulnerable to our Freedom From Fear, New
and clinically extremely vulnerable, Deal for Workers and Retail
these agreements granted Recovery Plan campaigns.
additional paid leave for vulnerable “These campaigns can help shape
members, to keep them safe at a society that delivers for working
home and financially secure.” people and ensure that the efforts
of key workers are not forgotten”
USDAW FIGHTS FOR MEMBERS
“At the same time, the union was DELEGATE COMMENTS
Val Cooke
key in promoting rights to maternity
suspension,” said Paddy. “Meaning Rachel Goodwin C043
that pregnant workers could be paid “Unions must not be side-lined
in full if they were unable to work when it comes to rebuilding the to recognise their contribution by
safely. And for those who remained economy. And we should rebuild on paying them a decent wage.”
in work, the union quickly oversaw sound social principles, including a
the introduction of brand-new wage that ensures workers do not Val Cooke C144
safety measures, including social have to rely on benefits to make “The job losses in the retail sector
distancing, protective screens and ends meet.” are not being taken seriously by
additional hand washing facilities. the Government. If it had been any
“Time and again, the union Jason Phillips C144 other sector there would be uproar.
reached ground-breaking “The last 12 months have shown That’s why we need a strategy to
agreements to protect the safety us that nurses, shopworkers and save the retail sector, treat retail
of our members and, following cleaners are essential workers. We jobs as skilled jobs and ensure
discussions with Usdaw, many all clapped for them. But we need workers are paid a decent wage they
employers agreed to pay bonus more than claps, we need society can live on.”
May/June 2021 21You can also read
