Statutory Sick Pay and Protection for Workers Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Statutory Sick Pay and Protection for Workers

Navendu Mishra Excerpts
Wednesday 18th March 2020

(4 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Navendu Mishra Portrait Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab)
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Has the Minister seen proposals from the Communication Workers Union, which yesterday called for Royal Mail to act in effect as a fourth emergency service? Royal Mail is the only organisation in the country that puts workers on every single street, six days a week, and postal workers are trusted in every community. Whether it is through the delivery of prescriptions or food bank parcels, or by checking on elderly people who might need support—particularly if care services cannot be provided to them—Royal Mail could play an important role, if appropriate precautions are taken.

Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the Communication Workers Union? Does he agree that this idea should be explored as a matter of urgency? Will he commit to speak to the union and Royal Mail to discuss it?