Workers of England Union Members Vindicated by Covid Inquiry
For Immediate Release: 16/07/2026
The Workers of England Union has today said that the findings of the Covid Inquiry have vindicated many of its members who raised concerns about inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), unsafe working practices and inconsistent guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For years, many frontline workers who questioned the adequacy of PPE or challenged workplace safety measures faced criticism, disciplinary action, bullying or intimidation. The Covid Inquiry has now concluded that the UK entered the pandemic dangerously unprepared, with serious failings in PPE planning, procurement and distribution.
The Workers of England Union believes the report reinforces the importance of protecting workers who have the courage to raise legitimate safety concerns in the workplace.
Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, said:
"For years, many of our members were criticised, investigated, bullied and, in some cases, lost their jobs simply because they had the courage to speak out about inadequate PPE and unsafe working practices.
Today, the Covid Inquiry has confirmed what they knew all along, they were right. Freedom of speech in the workplace is not a privilege. It is an essential safeguard that protects workers, patients and the public. Every member who refused to stay silent has been vindicated, and the Workers of England Union is proud to have stood beside them throughout."
The Workers of England Union is calling on employers to reflect on how staff who raised genuine safety concerns were treated during the pandemic and to ensure that workers are never again disadvantaged or vilified for speaking up in the public interest.
For media enquiries, please contact Stephen Morris, General Secretary, Workers of England Union:
Workers of England Union
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Website: www.workersofengland.co.uk