Zero hour contract workers must not lose out in coronavirus emergency: Eamonn McCann

Eamonn McCann, of People Before Profit, said workers on precarious work contracts should not be financially penalised as a result of the developing COVID-19 outbreak.

"Our priority in People Before Profit will be to try to ensure that nobody falls victim to the virus, or exposes others to infection, because they cannot afford to self-isolate.

"Will workers on zero hours contracts have their incomes guaranteed, for example? Or those in precarious work generally, who might be tempted to go into work because they cannot afford to stay home and lose pay?" asked Colr. McCann.

The Derry councillor said the trade union movement locally would stand by any workers unjustly treated amid the efforts to contain and delay the spread of the illness.

"The trades union movement should be at the ready to intervene if there’s any attempt to make workers pay the price of this emergency," he said.