NHS workers join slow hand clap in protest over ‘derisory’ 1% pay rise
NHS staff and supporters around the country took part in a 'slow hand clap' on Thursday evening as part of a protest against 'derisory' pay rates for health workers.
NHS staff and supporters around the country took part in a ‘slow hand clap’ on Thursday evening in protest against ‘derisory’ pay rates for health workers.
The display – backed by public service union UNISON – was a spin on the original ‘clap for carers’ event, which saw Brits applaud in their doorways one evening a week as a show of thanks to health workers.
Videos of nurses participating in the sarcastic slow hand clap have been posted across social media – accompanied by messages demanding better pay for NHS staff.
The Government has experienced backlash from the health service since it was revealed last week there were plans to increase sector wages by just 1%.
When quizzed on the matter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that ministers had tried to give key workers “as much as we can.”
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But UNISON called the proposed pay rise “miserly” – arguing the NHS deserved a “proper thank you.”
The Royal College of Nursing has also set up an ongoing petition for a pay increase of 12.5% – calling on the Government to “give nursing what it deserves.”
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Health workers at University College Hospital giving @BorisJohnson slow claps for his miserly 1% pay offer.
The slow handclap on Thursday evening (March 11) saw participation from MPs, unions, NHS staff and members of the public.
A repeat of the display will take place three weeks later on April 1 – the day health staff were due to have their next wage increase.
The Royal College of Nursing has said it will continue to push on for a pay rise at a time when many nurses are “considering leaving the career they love”.
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The organisation’s statement reads: “Funding our health and care system is a political choice.
“After years of inadequate support for the largest health and social care workforce, the UK government must take immediate action and fully fund a substantial pay rise for nursing.”
On Sunday (March 7), 61-year-old health worker Karen Reissmann was handed a £10,000 penalty for organising a Manchester protest against the ‘insulting’ NHS pay rates.
Police are now reviewing the fine following a request from Mayor Andy Burnham in a bid to ascertain whether it was enforced correctly.
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National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings
Daisy Jackson
The hunt is on to find a National Lottery player in Tameside who’s won £1m – and not claimed it.
The missing millionaire won the huge prize on a Lotto ticket bought on Wednesday 1 July, somewhere in the Borough of Tameside.
But with just two months to go until the prize expires, the player has still not come forward to claim their winnings.
The winning numbers in were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39, 42 and the Bonus Ball was 54.
Now, the National Lottery is renewing its search for the millionaire, calling for the mystery winner to cash in their prize before it expires at midnight on 28 December.
National Lottery Senior Winners’ Advisor Andy Carter has been out in Tameside ‘hunting’ for the missing millionaire, visiting everywhere from Portland Basin to Hartshead Pike.
Andy said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck.
National Lottery hunts for Tameside player who’s not claimed £1m winnings. Credit: Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
“With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the 1 July draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email [email protected].
Featured image: Supplied – Anthony Devlin/Assignments/Press Association
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Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
The Manc -
12th March 2021 
