SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood,
The Foyle MP has welcomed the announcement by the Health Minister Robin Swann that all Health and Social Care workers here will receive the one-off payment in response to their tireless worker throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
Said Mr Eastwood: “This announcement from Robin Swann is welcome. It is right that the Health Minister is giving all of our health workers and carers the recognition they deserve by this one-off payment of £500.
“The SDLP has been pushing for quite some time for Northern Ireland to follow Scotland’s lead and give a one-off payment to our health and social care workers.
“Whilst our health and social care staff deserve much more; this will go some way in recognising the hard work and dedication that they have given to those in need over the past 10 months.
“It is important now that this payment is not subject to a tax burden, and the health workers get to enjoy it fully without being subject to taxation.
“The British Government should meet this cost.
“I am contacting the British chancellor to ensure that this payment is not liable for tax and that this payment will not impact on tax credit entitlements.
“Our health and social care workers who have sacrificed so much deserve to keep this payment in its entirety.
“The SDLP will continue our campaign for fair pay terms and conditions, and we will continue to fight for those rights.
“This payment is a positive news and will provide a boost to our healthcare staff, going above and beyond to keep us safe.”
Tags: