Thousands of NHS staff and other key workers are to be remembered today (Sunday) for their incredible work during the pandemic in a campaign backed by UNISON.
The union’s general secretary Christina McAnea said Thank You Day* is an opportunity for everyone to show support for the dedication of health and care workers, council staff, teaching assistants, university workers and police support staff.
She said: “Each and every one of us owes public workers a massive debt of gratitude. NHS and care employees, council workers, teaching assistants, and police support staff are among the thousands on the front line who’ve kept this country going during Covid.
“Let us never forget the hundreds of health and care staff who’ve lost their lives by going above and beyond. Nor the many others who risked their own health and that of their families to keep the rest of us safe. There was no ring of steel protecting staff in care homes nor the vulnerable people they look after.
“Support staff made sure schools remained open for the children of key workers, with teaching assistants stepping up to lead classes. Without their dedication, frontline workers would have been unable to save lives.
“Communities carried on thanks to the lifelines offered by council workers. They delivered food and medical supplies to ensure no one in need was forgotten.
“Police support staff were essential in keeping people safe despite facing verbal and even physical abuse, while university workers had to handle numerous Covid outbreaks among students and ensured teaching continued in other ways.
“Public services have been taken for granted for far too long. It’s taken a global health crisis to recognise their worth. No words will ever be enough to express the thanks and appreciation they deserve.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is a partner of the Together Coalition which has organised Thank You Day to celebrate the work of the NHS, key workers and everyone in communities who has helped people through the pandemic. Click here for more details.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk