Union claim that council is forcing at-risk employees to work in Milton Keynes during covid-19 crisis is denied

But Milton Keynes Council has contested UNISON’s claims, with a spokesman saying it is following Government guidance and talking to a small number of people.

UNISON says it has been inundated with concerns from vulnerable workers who had been advised to stay at home but who are now being asked to return to work.

Ryan Slaughter, the Unison south east regional organiser, said among those who had contacted the union for help were people with heart and lung problems, or who were looking after a loved one who was at risk from coronavirus.

The social workers, care staff, and environmental health officers, and school support staff have been asked to put themselves in contact with the public in frontline duties, he said.

Mr Slaughter wants the council to “step back from implementing a rogue local plan.”    

He says the council has a duty if people cannot work from home, to pay them but allow them to stay at home.

“UNISON is demanding that the council reverses this dangerous policy that will put lives at risk,” he said.

A council spokesman said the council is following all current Government and Public Health guidance.

The council thanked “all our teams for their dedication and hard work” which includes redeploying people into other essential roles.

“Council staff who are in the Government’s clinically shielded group are not being asked to return to the workplace,” the statement said.

Council workers are receiving their normal, full pay at this time, the spokesman added.

The statement continued: “We are talking to a small number of employees who are currently off work because of their own health concerns or because family members are shielding.

“We are looking case by case at individual circumstances.”

But the statement added that: “We are sensitive to everyone’s situation, though as taxpayers would expect, we are also making sure that where people cannot do their regular work from home we look at alternatives so they can continue to be productive.”

The reference to taxpayers angered Mr Slaughter, who said: “This is a very poor attitude by the council.

“Milton Keynes Council has the opportunity to be an exemplar employer in the local community, instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

“I am frustrated and angry at that statement.

“I hope they will come into line,” he added.

He said the council is part of an agreement where people who are eligible for the annual flu jab but cannot work at home have to “stay at home on full pay for the duration of this emergency”.