The COVID-19 pandemic changed the lives of every person in the UK. It changed the way we worked, the way we lived and, tragically, the way many people died. Throughout the crisis, public service workers stood on the frontline, keeping essential services running while facing unprecedented challenges and personal risks.
Since the launch of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry in 2022, UNISON has played a crucial role in ensuring that the experiences of its members are heard and reflected throughout the investigation. The Inquiry was established to examine the UK’s response to the pandemic, understand its impact, and identify the lessons that must be learned for the future.
UNISON received thousands of responses from members across the country, working in health, social care, local government, education, transport and other public services. Their testimonies provide a powerful account of the realities faced during the pandemic, highlighting issues such as access to personal protective equipment (PPE), staffing shortages, excessive workloads, inadequate sick pay, workplace safety concerns, and the lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.
The report brings together these experiences, telling the stories of the challenges our members faced and the support UNISON provided during one of the most difficult periods in recent history. It also explores the lasting legacy of the pandemic, UNISON’s ongoing contribution to the COVID-19 Public Inquiry, and the key findings and recommendations emerging from the Inquiry so far.
The experiences of our members must never be forgotten. By sharing their stories, they are helping to ensure that lessons are learned, accountability is secured, and public services are better prepared for future emergencies.
Read the Report ,You can read the full publication here
To learn more about UNISON’s involvement in the COVID-19 Inquiry, visit:
🔗 COVID-19 public inquiry | UNISON – the public service union