Covid Inquiry told to probe how insecure work left Brits vulnerable to pandemic

11 June 2023 , 23:01

865     0

The TUC wants the coronavirus probe to examine the "unchecked growth" of “insecure work” before the pandemic (Image: Getty Images)

Unions today urge the Covid Inquiry to examine how "unchecked growth" of “insecure work” such as zero-hours contracts left millions of low-paid and frontline grafters vulnerable to the pandemic.

A Trades Union Congress study found that in 2011, 3.2 million people were in insecure work - climbing to 3.7 million by 2019.

The body used a definition of insecure occupations that includes people who work through an agency or are involved in casual and seasonal employment, but are not on fixed-term contracts; those whose main job is on a zero-hours contract; and self-employed workers who are paid below third thirds of average earnings.

A report claimed workers in insecure jobs were forced to shoulder more risk of infection during the coronavirus crisis.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "The Covid public inquiry must look at how the unchecked growth of insecure work left millions vulnerable to the pandemic.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak (Newcastle Chronicle)

"Those in insecure work faced markedly higher Covid infections and death rates and they were hit by a triple whammy of endemic low pay, few workplace rights and low or no sick pay.”

The TUC said workers in insecure employment were twice as likely to die from coronavirus as those in more secure jobs.

A TUC analysis found the Covid-19 male mortality rate in insecure occupations was 51 per 100,000 people aged 20-64, compared with 24 per 100,000 people in less insecure occupations.

For women, the coronavirus mortality rate in insecure occupations was 25 per 100,000 people, compared to 13 per 100,000 in less insecure occupations.

Mr Nowak said: “Lots of them were the key workers we all applauded, like care workers, delivery drivers and coronavirus testing staff.

Covid Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett (PA)

“For years ministers promised working people improved rights and protections. But they repeatedly failed to deliver.

“It’s time for the Government to learn the lessons of the pandemic and stamp out the scourge of insecure work for good.”

The Inquiry is due to hold its first evidence session tomorrow.

* Follow Mirror Politics on Snapchat, Tiktok, Twitter and Facebook

Ben Glaze