The UK government has decided to fund a one-off Covid bonus for health workers not directly employed by the NHS, after facing potential legal action. This move will allow up to 20,000 outsourced staff, like community nurses and physiotherapists, to receive the bonus they were previously denied. The bonus ranges from £1,655 to £3,789 and is part of the recognition for the workers’ efforts during the pandemic.
The decision comes as a response to the threat of judicial review by Social Enterprise UK, representing many affected workers. Health Minister Will Quince emphasized that this funding is a one-time arrangement in light of the economic challenges.
However, there is concern from health unions that the scheme still excludes some workers, like those on different contracts and temporary "bank" staff. The bonus is part of a larger pay deal for NHS staff in England, which included a 5% pay raise. The Unite union has criticized the government's funding as a mere "sticking plaster" for a much deeper issue of NHS underfunding and workforce disparities.