Healthcare facility services organisation ISS has promised full pay for any of its outsourced NHS staff self-isolating due to the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
On 3 March 2020, ISS, which has been dealing with contracts for outsourced NHS staff since 2015, agreed with trade union GMB to ensure all individuals are given full pay if they are forced to self-isolate.
Lola McEvoy, organiser at GMB, said: “Full pay from day one for NHS contract workers is an urgent priority for public safety given the escalating Coronavirus crisis.
“This announcement that ISS will give full pay to everyone required to self-isolate is the direct result of GMB members’ bravery in campaigning at Homerton Hospital and across the UK.
“This is an admission of the failures of statutory sick pay and increases the pressure on government to now follow ISS’ lead and ensure no worker is forced to make the choice between public safety and paying their rent.”
Rachel Harrison, national officer at GMB, added: “Following intense pressure from GMB, ISS has done the right thing. Now all NHS employers, and employers across all sectors in the UK, must follow suit and do their bit to stem the tide of Coronavirus.”
ISS was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.