Dismay at ultimatum over £500 ‘thank you'

NURSING agency staff spoke of their dismay after being told to get a new job if they did not like being denied a £500 “thank you” payment announced by Nicola Sturgeon last year.

- SARAH WARD

The First Minister announced the cash windfall as a gesture of gratitude for the risks taken during the pandemic – however agency workers who have covered NHS shifts are excluded.

It was reported that receptionists for private dental practices were eligible to receive the £500, but not agency nurses.

And those who did not like being excluded were effectively told to get a new job in a letter sent by ministers.

The letter reiterated “it is not extended to private agency staff in the NHS” – but nursing agency bosses described it as “simply incorrect and dismissive”.