Royal College of Nursing and Unison call for Britons to observe one minute’s silence for key workers and NHS staff who have died from coronavirus
- UNISON and Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwives organising the tribute
- Politicians, workers and those in lockdown asked to observe silence on Tuesday
- Comes as 59 NHS workers and 26 London transport workers confirmed dead
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
Healthcare unions are calling for Britons to observe a minute’s silence next week to remember all key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
UNISON, the Royal Colleges of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives – who between them represent more than a million NHS and public service workers – are urging politicians, employers, and those on lockdown to join the tribute at 11am on April 28.
The minute’s silence, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, will allow everyone to pay their respects and show support for the families of those who have died, said the unions.
It comes as 59 NHS workers and 26 London transport workers were confirmed to have died from the virus.
UNISON, the Royal Colleges of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives are urging politicians, employers, and those on lockdown to join a minute’s silence at 11am on April 28. Pictured: Hospital staff in Spain take part in their own silence yesterday
The unions are hoping to get the government and other organisations on board with the silence, which is held every year to commemorate lost workers around the world.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running’
‘Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.’
Royal College of Nursing general secretary Donna Kinnair said: ‘We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe.
‘I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.’
Royal College of Midwives general secretary Gill Walton said: ‘We had expected 2020 to be a celebration of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife but, although we actively applaud their service, this is not what we had imagined.
‘Instead, across the country, midwives and maternity support workers are seeing the impact of coronavirus not only on the women in their care, but on their colleagues as well.’
‘We are proud to join UNISON and the RCN in this campaign and to recognise and remember those who we have lost.’
The campaign for the minute’s silence has been using the hashtag #neverforgotten.
