Preston City Council has joined forces with the TUC (Trade Union Congress) to showcase the role unions play in encouraging safer workplaces as part of Heart Unions Week.

The “Stay Safe – Join a Union” campaign is encouraging workers to learn more about unions and the role they play in facilitating safer working environments.

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More than 6.5 million people in the UK are members of trade unions, and statistically, workplaces with trade unions have fewer cases of work-related illness, injury and fatalities.

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Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “A safe working environment is crucial for everyone, regardless of the industry they work in and whether people are in their place of work, working from home or furloughed.

“The pandemic has shown the need to prioritise safe working environments and robust policies to protect the health and wellbeing of employees.

“I am pleased to be backing this campaign to encourage all Preston workers to learn more about unions and the role they play in keeping workplaces safe.”

Lynn Collins, Regional Secretary for TUC North West, said: “Never has there been a more important time to belong to a trade union, whether protecting jobs, working for fairer pay and conditions or being a voice for equality and diversity in the workplace, the trade union movement has always been there for working people.

“Wherever you are working at the moment – in your usual place of work, in your home, or if you are furloughed, you need to stay safe and the best way to ensure that your personal safety is a priority is by belonging to a trade union.

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“We want all Prestonians to be covered by the same protections. So join a union this week – and if you are already one of our members then recruit a friend or family member.”

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