TUC general secretary PAUL NOWAK speaks to the Morning Star’s Berny Torre about the increasing frustration the trade union movement feels at a government that promised change, but has been too slow to bring it about

THERE has never been a time when our NHS workers have been in such sharp public focus.
The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the skill, compassion, versatility and commitment of everyone from nurses, administrators, consultants, dietitians, phlebotomists, podiatrists, radiographers, physiotherapists and others.
Some have thrived but so many others are broken. The pandemic has had a severe impact on staff — they have been under huge amounts of pressure and are exhausted, traumatised and are now struggling with their own physical and mental health.

With 121,000 vacancies and 44.8% of staff feeling unwell from work stress, the NHS 10-year plan will not succeed unless the government takes immediate action to retain existing staff, writes ANNETTE MANSELL-GREEN


