Lockdown continues in Scotland until 28 may 2020.

[Rab (bombero) Reid]

1 hour ago, Blatman said:

That's a little unfair. I don't think anyone is eager to continue their state sponsored holiday for longer than absolutely necessary. Not everything is a government conspiracy...

Maybe so, and I don't disagree with you that some aren't eager to continue the current situation 'longer than absolutely necessary' however, 3 out of the 4 nations believe that it is still necessary..

[Rab (bombero) Reid]

1 hour ago, DonPeffers said:

Seriously though there should be workplace covid safety assessments.

I've pondered this too ie a 'COVID-19 specific return-to-work risk assessment' and I think that on the surface, it's a contender, and may very well work effectively in some workplaces. However, being Devil's advocate, what if a member of your returned staff catches the virus from a work source, ie colleague or customer, and that staff member falls seriously ill or worse, who is ultimately held responsible? The employer for not doing enough to protect employees or the Govt for urging people to return to work? 

 

I don't have an answer but I work in the risk assessment industry and, at the moment, the established law would suggest the employer. The employer would have to convince the courts that they've demonstrated due diligence and has taken every conceivable precaution to protect their staff .. a rather anxious and stressful position to be in as an employer..

 

I think the Govt could use this as a means to support employers intending on turning to work. This would get away from the 'what types of premises can and can't open'. All types should be able to consider opening dependent on a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. 

[Blatman]

7 minutes ago, Robert (bombero) said:

however, 3 out of the 4 nations believe that it is still necessary..

 

A statistic which, in and of itself tells us nothing meaningful.

[Rab (bombero) Reid]

Just now, Blatman said:

A statistic which, in and of itself tells us nothing meaningful.

It tells us that for all BoJo's desire for an all nation approach, he's decided not to go with the majority, even for a few more weeks..

[Blatman]

Just now, Robert (bombero) said:

It tells us that for all BoJo's desire for an all nation approach, he's decided not to go with the majority, even for a few more weeks..

 

Majority of what? People? Politicians? 

OK so there's really no good way to gather public opinion on this. I'm sure the provincial leaders are doing the opposite to Boris for politics not for the good of their people.

[DonPeffers]

It may not legally be possible but I've thought for some time that Boris perhaps should've introduced a State Of Emergency whereby Westminster has the reins of the covid crisis and takes UK wide charge of the situation and not have a 4 way split with devolved parts of the UK.

 

It's worse for Mrs Merkel in Germany where she wanted lockdown to continue but was overruled by 16 regional Prime Ministers who lifted lockdown and now Germany's covid infection rate has increased.

 

Too many cooks spoil the broth methinks.

[Arm]

[DonPeffers]

They have a lot to answer for.

[Blatman]

3 minutes ago, DonPeffers said:

They have a lot to answer for.

 

Facebook/Twitter both have a great deal to answer for.

 

Just seen Rishi Sunak announce that the Job Retention Scheme is extended to October.

[Arm]

Furlough until Oct? Any other countries doing similar 

[Rab (bombero) Reid]

9 minutes ago, Blatman said:

Majority of what? People? Politicians? 

OK so there's really no good way to gather public opinion on this. I'm sure the provincial leaders are doing the opposite to Boris for politics not for the good of their people.

Majority of nations, mate! Are the nations not all equals in the UK?? What you appear to be suggesting is that they should defer to Boris's decision..

 

The other nations are certainly doing it for their people because the R values are still on the increase, and even independent clinical specialists are suggesting it is the correct approach..

[Blatman]

2 minutes ago, Robert (bombero) said:

Majority of nations, mate! Are the nations not all equals in the UK?? What you appear to be suggesting is that they should defer to Boris's decision..

 

The decision to be unequal within the UK is their decision. Westminster has always said that these should remain the United Kingdom. It's the provinces who asked for devolution. They should make whatever decisions they see fit and for whatever reasons they can justify.

The cynic in me says that there is as much politics as public health coming from the devolved governments.

[Arm]

Furlough until October so Boris is still trying to fill the pockets of his mates Don  ?

I don't agree with furlough. I know what the attitude around here is. "Oh good I didn't want to work and what I'm saving by not travelling I'm no worse off"

 

Just hope those still working will be ready to pay for it.

 

 

To confirm my post is against non genuine furlough cases and the ease with which it's being abused. 

[Rab (bombero) Reid]

7 minutes ago, Blatman said:

 

The decision to be unequal within the UK is their decision. Westminster has always said that these should remain the United Kingdom. It's the provinces who asked for devolution. They should make whatever decisions they see fit and for whatever reasons they can justify.

The cynic in me says that there is as much politics as public health coming from the devolved governments.

We're not provinces mate, we're countries on an equal footing or so we're always told. It was through negotiation that the nations all agreed to devolve certain powers, public health being one of them. So, to agree that public health is devolved and then to say that they should fall behind Westminster is hypocrisy which, I'm sure you'll agree. 

 

Again, equal countries, not provinces..

[CraigHew]

Boris is PM of UK not England.....