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From The Socialist newspaper, 20 April 2020
Management tells carers PPE would 'worry' residents
(Click to enlarge)
My sister works as a carer in a local privately run care home. She has been worried sick over the policies for coronavirus not being implemented there.
Not until 16 March were they given the OK to wear full PPE, even though it was in the care home prior to that. They were told by the managers that they were following government guidelines set out by the care minister, Helen Whately, and that wearing PPE would worry the residents and should only happen if a resident had confirmed Covid-19.
She, like many who work in care, is not in a union. They feel powerless as they do not want to stop working because they are short of staff and want to look after the residents. Yet at the same time, they fear they could potentially kill a resident if they bring the virus in with them, and without PPE could spread it in the home.
Brother of a care worker
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 20 April 2020:
Frontline workers speak out
Where's our PPE? Where's our testing? Where's our money?
London bus drivers' action over safety stops front door boarding
Care homes coronavirus scandal: blood on their hands
PPE shortages: "I feel so bloody angry"
Management tells carers PPE would 'worry' residents
Councils must demand control of supplies and reversal of austerity
More dispatches from the front: 'There are so many more patients dying'
World economy
World economic crisis: A Marxist approach to the coronavirus crunch
Workplace news
No 'back to school' until outbreak is under control and trade union agreed safety arrangements
DWP: Action on workers' safety, and protection of pay and conditions needed
JD Sports: Shut up shop and give us full pay!
RMT: Lift the suspension of Steve Hedley
Bromley Libraries 'restructure' in middle of pandemic!
Lenin at 150
Coronavirus news
National plan for testing needed
Capitalist press attacks Tory incompetence
Tory think tank proposes attack on pensions
Shocking increase in domestic violence killings
US private healthcare system in meltdown
Workplace safety
The history of struggle to make the workplace safe
Campaigns
Excellent support for Socialist Party special appeal
Why I joined the Socialist Party
Clapping, driving, postering - for workers' rights
The role of the Socialist during the corona crisis
Policies that really protect the NHS
Coronavirus: Students' charter
Socialism the Podcast: What do our listeners think?
Readers' opinion
Covid-19 patient speaks out: fantastic support from under-resourced health workers
Going viral: Socialist comments and letters
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