Wiltshire healthcare workers FINALLY receive pandemic bonus
Staff went on strike earlier this year over the dispute
Wiltshire healthcare workers have now received a post-Covid bonus, after some interventions by Salisbury's MP John Glen.
Staff took industrial action, |newtab) calling for Wiltshire Health and Care to make the payments, after not getting a pay rise and a one-off payment agreed for NHS contractors.
At the time, their union UNISON said workers, including nurses, occupational therapists, care co-ordinators, and physios, should be treated fairly and receive the same as their colleagues employed directly by the NHS.
Salisbury MP John Glen has been working to help secure the payment for staff.
In a statement posted on his social media pages, he said:
"Last June, I met a large group of Wiltshire Health and Care staff contracted to provide NHS care.
"They were upset not to be receiving the backlog bonus paid to other NHS staff in recognition of their sacrifice during the pandemic.
"Shortly after that meeting, I was pleased to personally approve the additional payments, in my capacity as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
"The payments have taken far too long to reach deserving recipients, but after a lot of chasing and working closely with the local Integrated Care Board, I am delighted the payments have finally been made.
"I know this will help hard working staff feel valued as core members of the NHS family."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio on a picket line in Salisbury back in February, staff raised concerns about staff retention.
UNISON steward Helen Nash said:
"It's quite concerning in terms of recruitment of staff. It makes people think twice about coming to work in the community when we paid less than qualified clinical staff who work in hospitals."
Kate Buttimer is a neuro-rehab support worker told us:
"We feel completely disrespected. Many of my colleagues are now looking for jobs working in the hospitals."