Coronavirus: getting us through the times ahead

The global coronavirus pandemic has brought many areas of public life to a standstill and is now also disrupting our working lives. I am certain that when we emerge from the crisis, attitudes to many things will have changed.

The ‘agile’ labour market of the UK will have been exposed more than ever for its systemic insecurities. The importance of the state and public services will have new converts and the respect for workers who are often taken for granted reconsidered.

The role of unions will also be transformed. On Tuesday, the Chancellor mentioned unions three times in announcing measures to support business.  I have spoken to more ministers in a week than I have in the past year. Union engagement is suddenly a key part of the communication strategy to reassure the public.

And the last week has been intense, as we prepare internally to operate through the new norms and lobby government to support incomes of workers and the self-employed.

Many of our members are working on the frontline, keeping our key infrastructure operational, such as our scientists in public health and members in the energy sector. While for others, such as those in aviation, heritage and the creative industries, the crunch is already being felt.

As always, we will do everything that we can to help affected members, voice their concerns and fight for their interests.

Putting members first

In recent weeks we have been:

• working with employers to secure and protect the safety and incomes of members
• ensuring members’ voices are heard as the crisis has spread – especially for members in areas such as aviation, heritage and creative industries.
• campaigning to make sure government and employers take action to support public health and protect jobs.

Open for support

In the coming weeks and months, although we will be changing the ways we work, Prospect will continue to be ‘open’ and ready to support you.

On Thursday our National Executive Committee met to agree a plan to help keep Prospect working over the coming months.

This is what we are doing:

• Our Member Contact Centre and frontline staff continue to offer advice and support for members, many of whom are having their livelihoods directly affected by the coronavirus.
• Most Prospect staff will now be working from home.
• We’ve postponed all our training events until the end of April.
• We’ve cancelled our conference which was planned for May, in line with government advice, and are looking at different ways to directly consult and involve branches.

These are serious measures that have not been taken lightly. But it is the correct and responsible response to this crisis.

In these difficult times we remind members that our subscription system allows for adjustment in subscriptions where income is reduced. Please contact the Member Contact Centre  ([email protected]) should you need to discuss a change in your subscriptions.

If you need help

Please get in touch if you need any help or advice:

• Visit our online coronavirus webpages, which will be regularly updated with advice for members.
• Check our advice and guides if you are working from home or your working conditions have changed.
• Email our Member Contact Centre or your regional office.
• Speak to your workplace rep or full-time officer.

Getting through this together

Society is being tested. Many of the measures being introduced, and the near collapse of civic life, would have been unfathomable just a few weeks ago.

Yet, it is during these challenging times when humanity also reveals the best of itself. Our brave and courageous NHS workers are the frontline of this battle and we are humbled by their sacrifice. But we can also reflect how so many people are vital to us as they deliver goods and keep us going. As I said above we need to remember this when it’s over.

I want to emphasise that we are adjusting as soon as we can. We will not get everything right immediately and we are being tested by a business continuity challenge no one could have modelled. The staff of the union are responding magnificently and we will be there for you throughout.

Thank you for your continued membership and support.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect