COVID could have been slowed down if decent sick pay was available, care workers had got proper PPE, and bad bosses who put staff safety at risk had been prosecuted, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said yesterday.

Ms O’Grady said the virus crisis should be a catalyst for real change in the workplace.

Speaking to the TUC’s annual congress, she said years of austerity had taken their toll and meant the pandemic was fought “with one hand tied behind our backs.”