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Nicola Sturgeon admits ‘I’ve made mistakes’ by following restrictions
NHS and social care staff have been on the front lines of the coronavirus battle and Scotland’s Prime Minister announced plans to thank them through a £ 500 bonus payment.
However, a major union lashed out at the SNP leader, saying the money should also be extended to council staff.
GMB Scotland said Ms Sturgeon has “forgotten” about the garbage collectors, school cleaners and supporting students.
Drew Duffy, GMB Scotland Organsier, said: “It is correct that the Prime Minister has recognized our NHS and welfare workers, but it is wrong to ignore the contribution of other key workers on the front lines of public services, many of the which are among the lowest paid.
“Garbage collectors, school cleaners and student support – these are just a few of the local government people who have worked for all of us during this pandemic, but the Prime Minister has forgotten them.
Nicola Sturgeon embarrassed for ignoring all workers (Image: Getty)
NHS staff will receive a £ 500 bonus from the SNP government (Image: Getty)
“The NHS workers deserve it, the social careers deserve it and all of our key workers deserve it.
“The Prime Minister must do the right thing and thank everyone for extending the grant of this payment.”
Sturgeon has also been accused of using the bonus as a means of obtaining “political congratulations” after calling for a second Scottish independence referendum.
Larry Flanagan, Secretary General of the Scottish Educational Institute, said: “There is a bit of concern because it was a rabbit pulled out of the hat at the SNP conference to get some political accolades.
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Nicola Sturgeon announced new funding for NHS (Image: Getty)
“It is a fairly obvious political ploy with an eye on elections.
“If that money was available, it would have been nice to have had a discussion beforehand about how it would be distributed.”
Mike Kirby, Scottish secretary of the UNISON union, welcomed the support for the NHS staff but urged the government to recognize the work of “all public sector workers”.
He said: “Yes, everyone who has worked hard during this pandemic deserves credit.
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“UNISON appreciates the payment of £ 500 for NHS and social care staff and we are working on the agreement with the Scottish government.
“However, we should also recognize the work of all public sector workers in Scotland.
“Many in the public sector have been heroic throughout this pandemic: garbage collectors, social workers, school and junior staff, those who work in the police service and universities and colleges, to name just a few.
“They have all been working in extraordinary circumstances to keep us safe.”
Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon (Image: PA)
In a statement, a Scottish government spokesperson told the Daily Record: “We are enormously grateful for the efforts made over the past few months by many key workers in different sectors of Scotland as they have faced the challenge of responding to the pandemic.
“This payment recognizes the particular debt that we all have with health and care personnel, who have been, and continue to be, on the front line of this crisis, helping to save lives and protect us all.”
In announcing the new funding, Sturgeon said the bonus is a “sincere thank you” for their sacrifices during the pandemic.
She said: “So I can announce today that on behalf of all of us, the Scottish Government will give each full-time NHS and social care worker £ 500 as a one-time payment of thanks for their extraordinary service in these most difficult years. .
Sturgeon Announces £ 500 Thank You Bonus To The NHS (Image: Getty)
“Those who work part-time will get a proportional share.
“The money will be paid in this financial year and will be separate from any negotiation on long-term payment.
“Without conditions.
“Of course, a payment like this can never come close to expressing our utter admiration for those who have cared for us so heroically.
“But for our health and care workers, it is a demonstration of what we collectively owe them, and a sincere appreciation for the sacrifices they have made.”
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