SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Rory Farrell
Speaking at last week’s meeting of Council’s Health & Community committee, the Ballyarnett representative proposed that the local authority write to Westminster supporting UNISON’s demands of an immediate £2,000 pay rise for NHS staff.
Councillor Farrell also called on the Stormont Executive to introduce a £500 recognition payment for NHS and social care staff for their “efforts in combatting Covid”.
Addressing the committee, Cllr Farrell said: “We as a society rely heavily on the NHS and the social care sector on a daily basis. And it wasn’t just during Covid – it’s every day of the year, every year.
“The staff should be properly paid and we support the £2,000 pay award. It’s not extravagant, it’s not excessive. It’s justified and it’s warranted – and the staff deserve this money.
“This Council should write to the paymasters and says these staff deserve a pay rise, and they deserve it now.”
Cllr Farrell added: “And on a separate, but linked, issue we should write to the Executive requesting a £500 ‘Thank You’ for all NHS staff, similar to the Scottish Government, as recognition for their efforts in combatting Covid. And that should be completely separate to the pay award.
“It’s not that long ago that people were encouraged to go out on their steps on a Thursday night to clap for our carers, and now it’s time for government to step up and actually recognise the work that these people do on a daily and nightly basis to support society.
“And I’d just like to paraphrase the words of Cuba Gooding Jr. in Jerry Maguire – Show them the money.”
The proposal gained unanimous support.
