Care workers and the NHS have been at the frontline in the fight against Covid-19 and, with other key workers, have put their own health and safety to one side to care for others. We owe them all such a debt of gratitude.
The virus will not stop for Christmas so please remember all those who have responded so magnificently this year and who won’t get a Christmas holiday: the emergency services, doctors, nurses, and care workers.
As a campaigner for social care, I want to see better recognition for care workers – the government could start by following Wales and Scotland and giving all care staff a £500 bonus.
And I want to see a promise of proper reform of social care, so that the sector is not in such a dreadful state as it was when coronavirus struck. I want to see the vaccine rolled out quickly to all those vulnerable people who need it most, and to the staff who are caring for them.
I want our vulnerable people and our care workers to be safe. After a dreadful and traumatic year, that is what I want for Christmas.
Mike Padgham
Chair, Independent Care Group
