A campaign has been launched to get the country to observe a minute’s silence next Tuesday (28 April) to remember all the healthcare and key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
The #neverforgotten campaign has been launched by trade union Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives and urges everyone to join the tribute at 11am.The three unions are hoping the government and other organisations will get on board and join the campaign for there to be a minute’s silence on the day, which every year commemorates workers who have died around the globe.
‘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,’ said Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis.
‘Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.
‘Thousands of key staff are on the frontline while the rest of us are in lockdown. That’s why we’ve issued this call for the whole country to take part and remember the sacrifices they’ve made. The best tribute we can all pay them is to stay inside to protect the NHS,’ he added.
The Royal College of Nursing’s general secretary and chief executive, Donna Kinnair added: ‘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.
‘The silence is a simple show of respect for those who have paid the very highest price, but their loved ones must know the levels of gratitude we feel as a nation and take some comfort from that.’
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