SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
Last month Minister Swann confirmed that payment would be made to all staff in their July wages.
However, the scheme which has suffered delay after delay has seen some workers receive substantially lower amounts than the promised £500 while others in the private sector are yet to be notified of payment.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I’ve been inundated this week and last with queries from health staff throughout the Western Trust, those in the independent sector and care home staff who have not received the £500 COVID Recognition Payment.
“This promised small token of gratitude announced earlier this year by Minister Swann was due to be paid in July.
“However, not only have there been issues establishing a payment mechanism for the independent sector, there has also been a lack of communication and problems with the minute amounts some health staff have actually received.
“While a very welcome and well-deserved acknowledgement for HSC staff working on the frontline of the pandemic, the complications and lack of clarity has left many staff feeling frustrated.
“I appreciate the development of this scheme has not been without difficulty and that Department officials have worked over the past few months to establish a payment mechanism for all health workers.
“A fortnight ago, in response to my previous queries on the scheme, Minister Swann stated that measures had been taken to ensure staff received approximately £500 after tax and National insurance contributions.
“However, I’ve been made aware of several cases where the payment amount issued is a mere fraction of what was promised.
“Additionally, a substantial number of private sector health staff have sought clarity on when they should expect to receive payment.
“Having spoken with independent health care providers, it’s clear there has been little to no communication from the Department.
“I’ve raised these concerns with Minister Swann and will share his response in due course.
“Our health staff deserve so much more for their invaluable service and sacrifices over the past 16 months – the very least we can do is ensure that the promised, albeit small financial payment, is paid in a timely manner and as close to the £500 as possible.”
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