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A national minute's silence to commemorate healthcare and other key workers who have lost their lives to the coronavirus is looking increasingly likely to be held next week.

Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives are urging politicians, employers, people at work and those on lockdown at home to join the tribute at 11am on April 28.

Between them, the unions represent more than a million NHS and public sector workers, including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.

The minute’s silence, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, will allow everyone to pay their respects and show support for the families of those who have died, they said.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis described the move as "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."

“Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic," he said.

The Government has confirmed it is looking into having a one-minute silence.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the BBC: “I think it is a very good idea. We are looking into it.

“Actually, as Culture Secretary, I have responsibility for ceremonials and things like minute-silences, and we are actively looking into that and think it is a good idea.”

Asked whether it could be an official Government-led event, he said: “Yes, I think it could be but we will make an announcement on that at an appropriate time.”

Dozens of NHS workers are known to have died after contracting Covid-19.

The Government has come under intense pressure in recent weeks over shortages of critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare staff.

Millions of people throughout the UK have meanwhile engaged in a nationwide Clap for our Carers campaign, taking to their doorsteps, balconies and windows to applaud NHS and key workers every Thursday at 8pm.

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Donna Kinnair said: “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.”

Royal College of Midwives general secretary Gill Walton added: “We had expected 2020 to be a celebration of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife but, although we actively applaud their service, this is not what we had imagined.

“Instead, across the country, midwives and maternity support workers are seeing the impact of coronavirus not only on the women in their care, but on their colleagues as well.”

The call for a minute’s silence was also backed by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who said key workers "represent the best of us".

“Our key workers are literally putting their lives on the line in the fight against the coronavirus," he said.

“That is why Labour wholeheartedly supports the call for a minute’s silence in honour of all those on the frontline who have died from coronavirus.”