Kate Osborne MP: Give all frontline workers the pay rise they truly deserve

Our NHS, social care, and key workers deserve all the plaudits for their dedication, professionalism and bravery throughout this immensely challenging Coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, there has never been a time when we can be more proud of those who put themselves in danger to help others.

During the long, difficult months when the pandemic was at its peak it was our public sector workers who helped to keep the country going and it’s only right that we should now go further than mere deserved warm words of praise.

The government’s recent announcement of significant pay rises to 900,000 public sector employees – including doctors, teachers, and the police – is welcome, and it is the very least they deserve for all they have done. Because as the frightening death toll was rising, they were putting their own lives at risk for others.

Despite these announced pay rises, it is an absolute scandal that around one million frontline health and social care workers at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19 have been left out of the government’s pay rise announcement.

And in a further kick in the teeth to front-line staff the government have warned of “restraint” over future public sector wages.

These are truly exceptional times and our health and care workers across the country are doing an exceptional job, with little praise or reward.

And it has never been more important to fully recognise the invaluable contribution our key workers make, especially those who are on such a low wage. They are left with no choice but to turn to a food bank just to get by, for their sacrifices and the often challenging conditions they work in to support those in need across our local communities.

Sadly, over 300 NHS and care workers have so far lost their lives during the pandemic. It is unacceptable that NHS staff have been put at risk by the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment.

This government must now do the right thing and give all of our hardworking public sector frontline workers the pay rise that they truly deserve.