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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Alex Warren at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter and social media star Alex Warren is visiting Co-op Live, Manchester, for two nights of out of the ‘Ordinary’ live music.
One of the founding members of the TikTok group, the ‘Hype House’, which also included fellow pop performer Addison Rae, Warren has gone on to receive global recognition for his contributions to music.
Born in California, it’s no surprise his music has managed to catapult into the mainstream as he’s been mastering content creation since he was 10 on YouTube.
His music journey began back in 2021, when he released music as an independent artist in 2021 before signing a record deal one year later, dropping the chart-topping ‘Ordinary’ in 2025.
Now, Alex Warren prepares for his biggest UK tour to date, and he’s playing two shows right here in Manchester at the 23,500 seater Co-op Live in April and May.
Gig guide | Alex Warren at Co-op Live, Manchester – all you need to know
Alex Warren is visiting Manchester at Co-op Live on 27 April and 4 May / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
Alex Warren UK tour dates
Fri 24 April – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Sun 26 April – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Mon 27 April – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Wed 29 April – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
Thu 30 April – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
Sat 2 May – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena
Mon 4 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Wed 6 May – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Thu 7 May – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Are there tickets left for Alex Warren at Co-op Live?
If you’re looking for somebody to ‘Save You a Seat’, look no further as you can get tickets to Alex Warren’s 27 April at Co-op Live HERE.
And don’t find yourself in ‘Troubled Waters’, make sure you grab tickets for Alex Warren at Co-op Live on 4 May HERE.
Stage times for Alex Warren at Co-op Live, Manchester
Warren has built a cult following thanks to chart-topping hits like ‘Ordinary’ (Credit: Press shots)
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you can still get home without ‘Chasing Shadows’.
Supporting Alex Warren on the night will be Claire Rosinkranz, a singer-songwriter from California with tracks like ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Backyard Boy’.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Family pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ found dead in Blackley tower block
Daisy Jackson
The family of a woman at the centre of a murder investigation, after she was found dead in a tower block, have paid a touching tribute to her.
Amber O’Brien, 33, was tragically discovered at an address in Blackley on Sunday 19 April, after police were called to reports of a disturbance.
A murder investigation was immediately launched – Stephan Garner, 31, of Somerton Court, Blackley, has been charged with her murder and remains in custody after appearing in court.
Now, Amber’s family have shared a moving tribute to ‘a beautiful soul’.
The family’s tribute reads: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Amber. Her passing has left us devastated, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Amber was known for her warm smile and her natural ability to lift others up. She had a truly kind heart and made everyone around her feel valued and appreciated.
“She was a devoted daughter and sister, and a beautiful soul whose bright spirit brought joy, laughter, and comfort wherever she went.
“Our hearts are broken. Amber’s memory will live on with us forever.”
The Manc -
12th March 2021 
