Bolton Council’s new leader has signed a commitment to protect frontline care staff.
The “Stop the Spread” pledge was drawn up during the pandemic, it sets out a number of measures to safeguard care professionals from COVID-19 and other illnesses.
The leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, had agreed to sign the document on his first day in the role and made good on that promise last week.
The pledge, which was developed by the trade union UNISON, includes commitments to protect five key areas:
- Health: Including access to PPE and testing when needed
- Pay: To ensure staff receive fair pay if they miss work through illness
- Employment: Active recruitment and creating a positive workplace
- Workplaces: Creating safe places to work
- Families: Protecting care workers’ loved ones
Cllr Peel said:
“Our front-line care workers did an outstanding job during the pandemic, looking after the most vulnerable people in our community and putting themselves at risk.
“That is why I committed to signing this pledge on my first day as council leader.
“Even though COVID-19 is less prominent today, the pledge signals our clear intention to prioritise support for care workers and to value the incredible work they do.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Linda Thomas, said:
“COVID-19 highlighted the vital role that is played by our care home staff and other care professionals.
“Signing the ‘Stop the Spread’ pledge underlines this council’s commitment to the care staff in Bolton and to creating a safe environment for them to work in.
“This council is proud to commit to ensuring staff have the equipment, facilities and safety measures they deserve.”