TRADE unions and other activists in York have called for this year’s 'Workers Memorial Day' to be dedicated to those workers who have passed away due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Union representatives will lay wreaths of flowers outside York Minster at 6pm on April 28 in remembrance of all workers who have died over the course of the last year, with special emphasis on those who have contracted the virus and died as a result of contracting the virus at work.

The Trades Union Council (TUC) is encouraging workers and residents to lay wreaths and messages in commemoration of workers who died because their employers didn’t prioritise their safety during the pandemic.

Leigh Wilks, president of York and District TUC, said: “Workers Memorial Day is especially poignant this year. It cannot just be a day of remembrance though, as PPE and safety measures have often been inadequate during this crisis too many non-essential businesses and Government offices have stayed open.

"The horrifying number of deaths in this country could have been prevented, but through Government dithering and inaction, thousands of people have lost their lives, and thousands of families their loved ones.

"This is the tragedy that we are remembering. As trade unionists it is our duty to put people before profit. We want adequate protection for workers, as well as fair pay and terms and conditions.”

The special focus this year is the safety of those who have continued to work during the pandemic, including NHS workers, almost a thousand of whom are thought to have died of Covid between March and December last year.

Mr Wilks and York Central MP Rachael Maskell will deliver short speeches before a minute’s silence in remembrance of all those who have passed away during the course of this most difficult year.

The event will also include a stall run by Defend Our NHS York highlighting the campaign to keep York A&E in NHS hands and to highlight this year’s NHS pay campaign.