Britain entered the pandemic with the lowest rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) -an organisation of 38 developed nations - and with millions unable access it, the union body claimed.
This "broken sick pay system" hugely undermined the country's preparedness and ability to deal with the pandemic, and resulted in millions facing a huge financial cliff edge if they contracted Covid, it added.
The inquiry will take witness evidence from 13 June.
This story is from the June 01, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 01, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Roma On The Frontline Calls To End Prejudice After The War
Growing up in Ukraine, Arsen Mednik often found himself singled out - at school, children would point at him, calling him "Gypsy", while employers were often reluctant to hire him when they learned he was Roma.
Hamas Urged To Accept 'Generous' Ceasefire Plan
The US secretary of state has said "the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire" is Hamas, in the run-up to what are considered to be last-chance talks to salvage a diplomatic solution before a threatened Israeli ground invasion in Rafah.
Bellingham's Duel With Kane A Reminder Of Divergent Paths
For all the Bayern forward's excellence, his England teammate's meteoric rise is alesson in seizing the day
Bayern beset by discord with Eberl cast into The Thick of It
Club legend's criticism of Tuchel before semi-final first leg tonight provides head of sport with difficult welcome
Raya rising to occasion for Arsenal despite derby blip
The goalkeeper relishes title pressure and remained composed after his mistake gifted Tottenham a goal
Vardy double helps seal title as Leicester crown top-flight return
Enzo Maresca has changed a lot to take Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking but it seemed inevitable Jamie Vardy would have the final say, scoring a double in a 3-0 win to help secure the Championship title at Preston.
Chaos theory Why the IPL has descended into an arcade-style hitting contest
I've been kind of watching the Indian Premier League for the last five weeks.
Border checks Physical inspections begin on animal and plant imports
After more than three years of delays, today finally sees the introduction of physical checks on animal and plant imports coming into Britain from the EU.
Vinted puts on glad rags as sales soar to €600m
The online secondhand fashion seller Vinted has reported a 61% rise in sales to almost €600m (£513m), taking the company out of the red for the first time amid a boom in demand for \"pre-loved\" clothing.
Jeepney drivers begin strike over Philippine modernisation plan
A three-day strike by jeepney drivers in the Philippines began yesterday as transport groups warned that thousands could be pushed off the roads by government modernisation plans.
