Following the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that mpox is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), a leading union is calling on employers to have measures in place to protect workers in case the virus reaches the UK.

UNISON has produced a 10-page guide explaining why mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a trade union issue in terms of possible sickness absence and as a health and safety issue.

The guide highlights the need to protect pregnant workers and points to previous cases of monkeypox having been found in this country.

WHO Committee Chair, Professor Dimie Ogoina, said: “Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there, and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”

UNISON wants to ensure that actions put in place to protect workers and the public in 2022 remain in place in case the virus spreads again.

It explains that mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact and also when someone touches fabrics such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by someone with the virus and is calling for support for workers, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and sick pay to cover those who contract the virus.

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