Union and management deal means maximum protection for those shielding and self-isolating

All staff at a social care charity who are forced to shield or self-isolate because of Covid-19 will receive full pay.

Cornerstone and trade union Unison said they had come to an agreement which will provide maximum support for workers.

The decision was reached as a result of the new recognition agreement between the union and the charity.

It implements the principles from the Scottish Government’s Fair Work statement “that nobody should suffer financial detriment” as a result of following public health advice.

The joint agreement marks a remarkable turnaround in industrial relations at Cornerstone – where management at one point de-recognised Unison, in a dispute which led to top-level government intervention.

Hazel Brown, chief executive of Cornerstone, said: “Colleagues at Cornerstone have been outstanding during this pandemic, always going the extra mile for the people we support. We are a good and fair employer, committed to the principles of Fair Work especially during these challenging times.

“We know this is a significant decision that will incur additional financial costs, but it is so important our colleagues are not financially worse off during the Covid-19 crisis”.

Mike Kirby, Unison Scottish secretary, added: “Cornerstone is to be commended for its commitment to Fair Work and implementing the Fair Work statement agreed between Scottish Government and the STUC.

“Cornerstone staff, the people they support and the public in general will welcome this financial commitment which protects and promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and our economy.”