Front-line NHS staff should get £29-a-day bonus for coronavirus service, say Lib Dems

NHS staff on the coronavirus frontline should be rewarded, say the Lib Dems (PA)

The NHS staff serving on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic should get a £29-a-day reward for their service, according to the Liberal Democrats.

The idea is part of a "frontline support package" unveiled by the party, with the financial bonus modelled on the extra money given to military personnel on active duty.

All key workers would also receive a coronavirus service medal, according to the plan.

The Lib Dems are also calling for a fast-track programme to procure more personal protective equipment for health staff.

And other measures include getting hotels to provide accommodation for key workers self-isolating, who have vulnerable people in their household.

They also want the Government to pay for the funerals of key workers who died trying to protect others from Covid-19.

Lib Dem acting leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The fight against coronavirus is seeing several million key workers risking their lives to protect others.

"NHS and care staff are truly on the frontline in this national struggle - putting themselves in danger and working long shifts.

"In our hospitals, care homes, hospices and in the wider health and care sector, an army of workers are protecting us.

"The top priority for frontline staff is protection.

"We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit, and we shouldn't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either.”

He added: "When the country emerges from this crisis, we must also properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice, just as we do with military forces.

"The Government must look at creating a frontline service reward, similar to the deployment allowance frontline troops receive.

"There are many low-paid workers on the coronavirus frontline, and we must show our gratitude."