Lockdown #3
Due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 transmission and infection rates, the Government announced yesterday a third National Lockdown which is due to last until at least the end of February.
The Government state that where possible we should work from home, we know that for many of us that isn’t possible.
Thirteen’s management team met yesterday to discuss how we can work safely and protect our employees and customers. Unite formally requested that due to the increased transmissibility of the new Covid-19 variant, only emergency repairs should be carried out.
Yesterday, Thirteen released a statement outlining changes to service delivery stating that only emergency and urgent repairs and planned external and outdoor repairs will be carried out.
Voids work will continue with many trades who work on repairs moving onto voids while restrictions are in place.
Investment work is to continue if the customer is in agreement. Investment colleagues will work in bubbles working in the same property.
Be Safe at Work
It is imperative that you continue to work safely and follow all Risk Assessments (RA’s) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Please ensure that you wear PPE when working. If you are struggling to access RA’s and SOP’s, hard copies can be provided. There may be spot checks carried out by Thirteen to ascertain you have full understanding of them.
Earlier this year, Shop Stewards and Health and Safety Reps supplied our members with ‘Section 44’ Cards. These outline Section 44 of The Employment Rights Act which states:
in circumstances of danger which the employee reasonably believed to be serious and imminent and which they could not reasonably have been expected to avert they left (or proposed to leave) or (while the danger persisted) refused to return to their place of work or any dangerous part of their place of work, or
in circumstances of danger which the employee reasonably believed to be serious and imminent, they took (or proposed to take) appropriate steps to protect themselves or other persons from the danger.
If you believe that you or another person is in danger in regards to exposure to Covid-19 or that you feel you you are not being adequately protected to potential exposure, then contact your manager and a Union Representative immediately. If you don’t already have one, The Section 44 Cards can be collected from Travis Perkins or can be posted out to you.
Your Union is here for you. Get in touch through the ‘Contact Section’ of this website.