Yahoo Movies Evening Standard Comment: Our nurses deserve a proper thank you
Our nurses deserve a proper thank you
Millions of people continue to do their bit to defeat coronavirus by staying at home. But for hundreds of thousands of NHS nurses, their jobs and expertise have placed them on the front line of this pandemic.
Nurses’ pay is always a totemic issue. But 12 months into the UK’s Covid response, when they have given so much and witnessed life-changing trauma, it is especially politically potent.
In 2018, more than one million NHS staff, including nurses, received a three-year pay deal worth 6.5 per cent. A one per cent pay rise, as recommended by the Department for Health and Social Care, is barely above the rate of CPIH inflation, which may of course rise as the economy recovers.
It was noted by many that Rishi Sunak completely failed to mention nurses’ service in his Wednesday speech. He mentioned the NHS only twice in relation to vaccination and never once thanked nurses or recalled the front line which only weeks ago was a place of horror for many staff.
At the height of the first wave clapping for nurses felt like the least we could do to show our appreciation for their bravery. But the Government has options on how it can make that real.
This is particularly the case in London and other badly affected cities. The capital has been one of the hardest-hit regions; nurses have been on the front line. Indeed, nurses and doctors quite literally saved Boris Johnson’s life less than a year ago.
Ministers cannot continue to praise nurses but dodge the question of how we thank them meaningfully. This issue is unlikely to go away, quite simply they risk looking mean and churlish.
The Prime Minister will no doubt be enjoying his vaccine roll-out poll bounce. Another popular move would be to find a way of properly thanking our nurses.
The Government could consider other imaginative ideas for those on the front line — perhaps matching the action taken in Scotland and Northern Ireland of a one-off £500 bonus in recognition of their extraordinary service. And ensure those who suffered trauma are properly looked after.
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