Frontline workers still awaiting €1,000 pandemic bonus

As it comes up to five months since the pandemic bonus for frontline healthcare staff was announced, hospitals and community groups have confirmed that thousands of staff are still without payment.

The bonus, which was originally announced on January 19, was supposed to act as a small token of gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly throughout numerous lockdowns and various other Covid-19 restrictions that were put in place.

It is said that many hospital groups across Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford and many staff working for the South/SouthWest Hospital Group are still waiting for payment.

A spokesman said that “the majority of eligible healthcare workers” are expected to be paid by the end of June.

“Additional funds will be provided from the HSE to support the payment of the award," he added.

Across Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary, a spokesman said: “The process of facilitating payment of the Pandemic Special Recognition Award is well under way at HSE Mid West Community Healthcare, with eligible healthcare workers receiving payments from this week.”

Bonus details for community staff not directly employed by the HSE are expected by mid-July, it was previously confirmed by Minister of State at the Department of Health Mary Butler.

As a result, up to 15,000 home carers with private companies on HSE contracts, as well as carers in voluntary organisations in a similar situation, could be waiting at least another month for their payment.

Nationwide, carers and frontline workers alike have expressed their dissatisfaction.

People currently working in private nursing homes, eligible staff in some long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, and paramedics with the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage are also among those yet to hear about their bonus.