Following intense lobbying from Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, outsourcing giant Amey, has today (Tuesday 31 March) agreed that all its workers in the UK will be fully paid if required to self-isolate due to the coronavirus.

The commitment to fully pay staff will apply to those who are required to self-isolate for seven days, for 14 days and for those who for health reasons have to self-isolate for 12 weeks. The commitment to fully pay affected staff will also be backdated.

Unite is also working with Amey to ensure that social distancing rules are adhered to in its workplaces and on its outsourced contracts.

Unite national officer for local authorities Jim Kennedy said: “This is very good news and I am pleased that following intense lobbying from Unite, Amey are doing the right thing and paying staff in full.

 “There are many companies that should take a leaf out of Amey’s book and also pay staff fully to ensure that workers are not penalised during the coronavirus crisis.  Workers should not be put into a position where they feel that they have to break self-isolation rules for financial reasons.

 “Unite is looking forward to seeing how Amey will tackle the social distancing challenges in its workplace and fully expects that these plans will build on its strong commitment to pay sick workers fairly.

 “Amey, and all employers for that matter, should be aware that if they fail to meet the public health guidance on social distancing, Unite will not hesitate to take further action to ensure that the health of our members is not endangered.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

 For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.