Scottish Government cash award for NHS staff applauded by Highland MSP
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A Highland MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s move to reward every NHS worker in Scotland with a cash bonus.
Dingwall-based Maree Todd, SNP member for the Highlands and Islands, responded with delight after the announcement, with more than 8,000 staff members in NHS Highland set to benefit.
The MSP challenged the UK's Conservative Government to ensure workers received the payment in full, without tax being deducted.
Full-time staff will receive £500, while part-time health service workers will be given a proportionate extra payment in recognition of hard work and sacrifice during the pandemic.
The bonus payment was announced this week at the SNP annual conference by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
It was one of several policies Ms Todd welcomed as important in helping support hard-working families, including a promise to extend free school meals to all primary school pupils all year round.
Also announced was a £100m hardship fund to help those most in need during the pandemic.
The MSP said: “NHS staff in the Highlands and across Scotland have worked incredibly hard throughout this pandemic to keep everyone safe.
“I am delighted to see their hard work and sacrifice recognised by the Scottish Government through this £500 payment.
“It is now up to the Tories at Westminster to make sure NHS staff receive payment in full.
“If not, then all their clapping on their doorsteps in the early stages of the pandemic will be worth nothing.”
