Boris Johnson's deputy has refused to promise NHS staff will be given a pay rise after the coronavirus pandemic.
Dominic Raab last night acknowledged those working to tackle Covid-19 will be formally recognised - with the Mirror calling for a medal.
But he stopped short of saying they will receive a pay deal.
NHS staff endured years of pay constraint under the Tories until three years of rises were finally agreed in 2018.
Campaigners now want more help to go to NHS workers who need it.
Mr Raab, currently deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is receiving hospital treatment for the virus, was asked during the Government's daily briefing whether health staff deserved a rise.
He said: "There will be a moment when we look at how we formally recognise all of those on the front line who have done so much to pull us through this very difficult period for our country."
Mr Raab also urged people across the country to consider those working on the front lines if they are considering not following the Government's measures ahead of the bank holiday.
He said: "Above all, as we go into this long bank holiday weekend, I think people should think very long and hard, not just about the guidance and the importance of keeping it up, but about what happens to those on the NHS front line who are doing a heroic job, if people in large numbers don't comply with those rules.
"I would urge everyone just to take a moment before they do anything, however warm it is, however great the temptation, just to think about the sacrifices those on the front line, particularly in our NHS, are making."
Mr Raab accepted NHS workers, along with delivery drivers and supermarket workers, are the real key workers in society.
Labour have called for pay rises for NHS staff and new leader Keir Starmer has said: "After this crisis is over, we cannot go back to business as usual. We have seen who the key workers really are.
"For too long, our health and care workers have been taken for granted and poorly paid."
