ICTU general secretary Patricia King has written to the Minister for Finance expressing concern that some women, on completion of maternity leave, were being made unemployed because they were excluded from the operation of the wage subsidy scheme. She urged the Government to amend the temporary wage subsidy scheme so women returning from maternity leave were covered by its provisions.

The Trade Union Federation (TUF) has called on construction employers to ensure that maximum protection is provided for workers as they return to work this week. This includes more specific and written assurances which detail how the regulation of the new Covid-19 measures will be monitored in a meaningful way between worker representatives, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the employers.

Concerns have been raised about criticism of migrant workers at meat plants who are not able to adhere to social distancing guidance at home due to their sometimes cramped living arrangements. So far, there have been 15 clusters of infection and almost 700 cases of Covid-19 in meat processing plants across the country.

A loss or changed sense of taste or smell is to be added to the coronavirus symptoms list in the UK, weeks after experts first raised concerns that Covid-19 cases are being missed.

Lastly, today’s zen shows the reality of what it’s like trying to work from home with your pets around you. Enjoy!