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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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
12th March 2021 
