Readers' letters – March 31, 2020
Why not give all NHS workers a break from paying tax?
A letter sent to South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John hayes:
As per most of the population I am watching this pandemic unfold and change the way we live our lives, possibly forever.
One of the things that I can’t fail to see is that the NHS staff are working harder than ever for us and taking higher risks. Despite their selflessness, they appear to do so without further reward, whilst much of the population has been given 80 per cent of their wage to stay at home.
I haven’t seen anything along the lines of that which I am now hoping to garner your support on. I am proposing that the government should give a tax holiday to all NHS workers.
Whilst there may well be overtime for some of the staff, in reality, most, I am sure, are only doing the extra hours for the good of the nation, and therefore instead of paying more to the exchequer, now should be the time to remove their contribution entirely!
I hope again that you will support this suggestion and forward through your colleagues in Westminster. I have copied in local and county press, as I see their support imperative too.
Matt Clark
via email
Thanks to key workers and the services they give
A heartfelt thank you from us all for those keeping vital services running.
*Our fantastic recycling and refuse operatives – still doing a brilliant job in these dangerous times.
*Our local pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries – where would we be without them?
*Our postmen and women – mail still arriving regularly.
*The filling stations, newsagents, corner shops, etc.
*Buses and their drivers – meeting more people than may be good for them!
*The ambulance staff and those at fire and rescue.
And many, many more.
An enormous thank you from us all for all the really key, basic services which continue to give essential help to so many, many people.
Well done to all and every one of you.
Chris Brewis
via email
Stay safe and we will get through this together
As we all face these unprecedented times during the coronavirus pandemic, our local supply chains are working very hard to support our local communities.
Special thanks go out to all who are embracing new initiatives, such as home deliveries, telephone orders and pick up procedures.
The panic we have seen over the last few weeks has gone and most people are acting responsibly by adhering to the government guidelines.
Local shops are making sure people do pick up essentials, but at a distance, in a controlled environment.
It is vital we look after ourselves, essential and key workers, by considering simple steps that have been issued to help protect the health and safety of staff. It’s therefore good practice for employers to :
*Keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace;
*Make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date;
*Make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of the virus and are clear on any relevant processes, and procedures in case someone in the workplace develops the virus;
*Make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly;
*Provide more hand sanitisers and tissues for staff and encourage them to use them regularly and allow a longer break to do so;
*Consider whether protective face masks might help for people working in particularly vulnerable situations.
*During break times it is vital that we make sure we distance ourselves by the six foot rule and make sure everyone is practising this as it will be a great help to reduce any risk.
I note statutory sick pay (SSP) has been made available from day one instead of day four for workers self-isolating from coronavirus, the government has announced.
Although there is a range of support in place for those people who do not receive SSP, workers self-isolating shouldn’t have to take a financial hit for doing the right thing.
Employers need to follow government advice and pay everyone who thinks they have come into contact with coronavirus and sensibly intends to do the right thing.
Of course, I cannot leave off without a massive thank you to our NHS and the dedicated staff, who we can help by doing what is asked of us.
Stay safe and we will get through this together.
Rodney Sadd
Spalding
Previously...
Spalding Guardian letters, March 26
