Commenting on today’s silence to remember and give thanks to all the workers who’ve died during the pandemic, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“It was incredibly moving to see the entire nation fall silent and pay its respects to all the health, care, council and transport workers who’ve tragically lost their lives to the virus.
“The sight of government offices, workplaces and homes across the UK pausing for a moment of quiet reflection brought home the overwhelming sense of gratitude we all feel.
“While most of us were safe at home, these workers were putting themselves in harm’s way, saving lives and looking after patients and the elderly in our hospitals and care homes.
“It’s sadly inevitable that more key workers will fall victim to the virus. The government must now do everything within its power to ensure plentiful and frequent supplies of protective equipment to all workplaces that need it. This must be backed by a comprehensive, accessible and prompt testing system for all key workers and their families.
“Today’s tribute showed how much we appreciate the UK’s key workers. And we must continue to value them when this is all over. We must never forget how the entire country relied upon them all throughout the pandemic.”
Below are images from across Scotland as UNISON members took part in the minute’s silence to honour those who have died as a result of COVID-19 and to thank those risking their lives to take care of us during the pandemic.
