Essential transport workers ‘should be next in line for COVID-19 vaccine’

Essential transport workers should be next in line for vaccination against COVID-19, a union is urging.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has written to transport ministers across the UK saying that frontline transport workers have “put their lives on the line” during the pandemic.

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General secretary Manuel Cortes said all essential transport workers should be next in line for vaccination after vulnerable groups and healthcare and care workers.

He said: “With Covid case numbers rising sharply there is a race to get people vaccinated. It is absolutely right that vulnerable groups and healthcare and care workers are first in line for vaccination. After that, we want to see essential transport staff getting the life-saving vaccinations.

“From getting key workers to hospitals and moving vital supplies around the country, our transport key workers have kept the country moving through the pandemic. Many have lost their lives to the virus but they bravely continue to serve during this time of crisis.

“We must vaccinate transport workers as the next priority and I’m calling on transport ministers in England, Scotland and Wales to back this important step to protect our transport networks.”

The message comes just as Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns that tougher lockdown measures may be needed as he announced that around 2.4 million vaccines for COVID-19 have now been put in people’s arms.

The Prime Minister stressed “now is the moment for maximum vigilance” amid increasing calls for tougher lockdown restrictions as case rates soar in several parts of the country.