NHS workers hold protest in Wigan to demand pay rise

More than 30 events took place in towns and cities nationwide on Saturday, including one on Wigan Lane in Swinley, opposite Wigan Infirmary.

Around 70 people, carrying placards and banners, gathered outside the Plantation Gates to demonstrate at a social distance.

Workers had initially planned to join a larger protest in Manchester, but this was scaled back due to the recent restrictions related to the pandemic.

They were calling for all NHS staff to be included in a pay rise for public sector workers which was recently announced by the Government.

They agreed a three-year pay deal in 2018, but feel they should be given an increase in their salary now too following months of hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of Saturday’s event, a two-minute silence was held in memory of colleagues who have died with coronavirus and flowers were laid at the Tree of Hope outside the hospital.

Among those being remembered was Wigan midwife Linda Clarke, who died in April with the virus.

Campaigners around the country are looking to hold more demonstrations later this month as they continue to call for a pay rise.