The Queen has given the NHS a collective medal for bravery and service. They were awarded the George Cross. The George Cross is the highest award bestowed by the Queen for non-operational gallantry or gallantry, not in the presence of an enemy.
That doesn’t make up for putting yourself and your loved ones at risk of deadly infection for more than a year.
Giving NHS workers that recognition is important and right but it doesn’t pay the bills. Despite all workers’ sacrifices, and the urgent need to attract new staff, the government plans to offer them yet another below-inflation pay rise.
NHS staff were supposed to get a rise in April but workers are still waiting to see what increase the independent pay review body will recommend.
UNISON is calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver a swift rise to give the NHS the boost it needs after 16 months fighting Covid-19.
UNISON Eastern head of health Sasha Savage said: “NHS staff have given their all over the past year and a half but haven’t had any increase in pay for almost the entire pandemic.
“We’ve all seen the gratitude the public has shown to the NHS and its staff through Covid, but it’s time for ministers to move beyond empty rhetoric and give staff a proper pay rise. “
Pat Harrington, general secretary of Solidarity union commented: “Let’s all get behind the UNISON campaign for fair wages for NHS staff. Sign their petition here and spread the word“.
