During the Coronavirus, millions of workers have stepped up, in the most difficult of circumstances, to keep our country going.

Workers in retail, manufacturing, distribution and home delivery have been working around the clock, keeping food on our tables and medicines in our cupboards.

The workforce has adapted to huge change in an extremely short time, working under intense pressure and providing a lifeline to our communities.

Right now, Usdaw is working to keep our members safe as they work through the crisis and support those who are not currently able to work. But as we look towards the future after Coronavirus, it is time for the Government, employers and the public to recognise that these workers have been undervalued for too long. They deserve a new deal.

Usdaw is calling for:

• A Minimum Wage That Is A Real Living Wage Rate. The National Minimum Wage should be immediately increased to £10 per hour.
• Guarantees Over Working Hours. A minimum 16 hours per week for everyone who wants it. Contracts should be based on the normal hours worked. An end to zero hours contracts.
• Freedom From Fear And Respect For Shopworkers through ‘Protection of Workers’ legislation that will tackle abuse against workers dealing with the public.
• More Support For Low-Paid Workers through improved sick pay and a proper social security system instead of the current Universal Credit mess.
• A Real Voice At Work with Trade Unions being recognised in the workplace.​