Close libraries now, plead library chiefs as 'terrified' London staff walk out

Lambeth librarians quit work over lack of hand-sanitising facilities and social distancing in branches as leaders call on government to shut all libraries

• Coronavirus and culture – a list of major cancellations
• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

Librarians in south London staged a walkout on Friday over fears for their health during the coronavirus pandemic as leaders of the sector called for library closures to be mandated by the government and not left to local councils.

Staff in Lambeth walked out of branches on Friday afternoon, citing section 44 of the Employment Rights Act, which gives employees the right to withdraw from unsafe workplaces. They said they had been given no hand gel, no gloves, and limited access to hand-washing facilities, according to the trade union Unison.

Continue reading...