Stay safe, look after yourself
As I write to you, it’s now eight weeks since the nation entered ‘lockdown’.
I know what a challenging time this is for all of you who are staying at home to protect yourselves, your loved ones and other colleagues, as you adapt to huge changes to your normal way of life. I do hope you’re keeping as well as you can.
GMB ASDA union update for colleagues - You may have seen that the government had committed to increasing the number of tests for COVID-19 to 100,000 people in the UK per day. More testing will mean the country will have a better understanding of the true number of cases, making sure people who are ill are really clear about the steps they need to take to look after themselves and giving peace of mind to those who don’t actually have the infection.
Merseyside PPE Hub
GMB Ambulance Branch have sourced Face Visors from Merseyside PPE Hub, which is a school/college in Liverpool who have set up a small production team from its teaching staff to make Face Visors and other items of PPE.
Regional Secretary, Paul McCarthy, made the original contact and arrangements have been made from there. 200 visors were picked up today and hoping to submit a regular order in each week.
Michael Buoey
REGIONAL ORGANISER
Tony Dunn GMB Super Member
After realising his busy co-worker members would welcome much needed refreshments, and maybe someone to listen to and take forward their concerns, GMB Convenor Tony Dunn (GMB NW Ambulance Service Branch) took the initiative to load up a van with hot and cold drinks and some sandwiches and snacks, to give our heroic front-line ambulance workers some sustenance as well as a little down-time (albeit very short) ….So a big clap for Tony and the GMB NWAS Branch!
You are a GMB Super Member Tony, We Salute You.
GMB Union Ambulance Branch
supply members with plastic face visors
Paul Turner, GMB Deputy Branch Secretary for North West Ambulance Branch, wasn’t going to let his members go without proper protection during the Covid-19 pandemic – he began sourcing local businesses to help supply front-line ambulance workers with plastic face visors as they battle the virus along with other NHS colleagues to keep us safe.
As we are all learning from the local and national news reports, more NHS and Care workers are themselves becoming infected by the deadly Covid-19 virus…..Great work Paul, the members and the GMB are very proud of you!
If anyone has any queries in relation to the scheme, please contact the HCONE HR Helpline on 03339998595. Lines are open 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday.
GMB members will be aware that your union has been in constant discussion with HC-ONE
during the COVID19 Crisis.
Many GMB members have been advised to shield by the Government due to health reasons
that put you at risk of COVID 19, When the government announced the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme, under which HMRC will protect workers’ wages up to 80% of their usual
pay, to a cap of £2,500 per month.
Originally, HC-One did not qualify for this scheme which meant that they were unable to
offer this to our Colleagues.
Are you a GMB Super Member? Please tell us your story.
email us info@gmbnorthwest.co.uk
Are you a GMB 'Super Member'? Are you on the frontline delivering key support and services to the public or the NHS? If so please tell us your story.
We want to know how you are managing on a daily basis to deliver vital services and supplies to the public, caring for the vulnerable, sick or elderly and how you are working hard and maybe putting yourself at risk in the face of this Coronavirus pandemic.
FAO: GMB Members working across Local Government and Schools, including members in Academies that follow NJC, or who have NJC contracts
Dear Member
As you will be aware NJC trade unions have been in on-going pay talks with Local Government and School employers for some time. Talks started well before we moved into this unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic.
This payment will be calculated on actual hours worked, based on the average of actual weekly worked hours, between Sunday 15th March 2020 and Saturday 16th May 2020 (or contracted hours whichever is the higher)
GMB ASDA union national retail and distribution reps have been pushing for the thank you payment time be paid at actual hours, so this is good news for all their endeavours.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak and the fast changing nature of things, I've wanted to communicate with you on a daily basis to make sure you're getting everything you need – when you need it. After Easter, if things continue to settle I'm going to step-back these notes, to three times a week, so you can focus on supporting your colleagues and serving your customers.
Our reps have been pushing for the first three days of sick to be paid during the second period of isolation, so this is an achievement and the same as distribution.
|
Thanks again for all your support during what's been another really busy week. I know a lot of information has come your way so thanks to you and your teams for reacting so quickly. |
Address:
GMB
North West & lrish Region
Regional Office
Columbus Quay
Riverside Drive
Liverpool
L3 4GB
Phone: 0151 727-0077
Email:info@gmbnorthwest.co.uk
