Councillor Howards Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat and Opposition Leader on Oldham Council, reveals a new plan for frontline works in the National Health Service (NHS). This is a Liberal Democrat idea that will give frontline staff an extra £29 a day. Better PPE equipment and increased support for their families would also be provided. The NHS is a vital part of British life, and our NHS is needed now more than ever before. NHS frontline workers should have the same privileges as those serving on the frontline in war. This is their war in the fight against Covid-19.
It is a sad truth that some NHS staff and care staff are being put at unnecessary risk because the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need is not readily available. This Liberal Democrat plan includes comprehensive measures to cut red tape. These plans would double production of vital PPE but also provide financial support directly to staff on the frontline.
Councillor Sykes applauds the hard work conducted by our brave frontline workers at every level: “The armed forces receive a deployment allowance of an extra £29 per day on active duty. The same should apply to NHS and care staff putting themselves in danger during the coronavirus epidemic.”
“Just as people remember Florence Nightingale, future generations will remember the bravery and diligence of our health and care workers during the Coronavirus outbreak. We must meet that honour with the right support in the here and now, not later.”